Collection of four Royal Worcester porcelain double bird models

Produced by the renowned Royal Worcester porcelain factory, this stunning selection of double bird models comes from the collection of Henry Sandon (English, b. 1928). He is an authority in the field of Royal Worcester porcelain and an antiques expert.

The collection consists of four double bird models depicting various wild British birds.

The four bird types modelled in bone china are chaffinches, linnets, yellow hammers and pied woodpeckers. On each model, one bird is standing atop a branch whereas the other is standing below it. This creates various levels and adds to the visual interest of the pieces.

All models feature a polychrome colour palette where paler shades predominate. For example, linnets are mostly coloured in shades of brown. The birds’ colouring reflects that of the naturally occurring one on the selected bird species. However, one can also observe more vivid pops of colour on the flowers surrounding the birds.

Each model bears a maker’s mark on the reverse in addition to the name of the birds depicted on the models.

Eva Soper (1901-1990) is responsible for the design of this collection. In 1937 she was introduced to the Royal Worcester factory and soon after began her collaboration with them. Simultaneously she was working in a studio at a wildlife sanctuary started by her father George Soper RE, enabling her to study the selected bird species there and accurately portray them in the porcelain bird models. Initially, she designed twelve British bird models and in 1941 she designed a further six bird models and six double bird models, some of which are a part of the set in Mayfair Gallery’s collection. Soper’s bird models were in production until 1986.

Double bird models are unusual, therefore this collection together with its important provenance and woman designer would make an outstanding addition to one’s collection.

Provenance: Henry Sandon Study Collection

Largest: Height 13cm, width 9cm, depth 7cm
Smallest: Height: 11cm, width 8cm, depth 7cm