Poole Pottery "Figures - Light Brown Glaze"

Poole Pottery Figures - Light Brown Glaze covers a small but appealing group of Poole earthenware animal figures finished in a pale brown glaze. The best documented examples are the bear cubs, a series of models introduced in the late 1940s, many of them designed and modelled by Marjorie Drawbell. These include a number of different poses, which adds greatly to their charm and collectability.

These figures show another side of Poole Pottery’s output, one that sits alongside the better known tableware and decorative ranges. The modelling is simple but expressive, and the light brown glaze suits the gentle character of the animals particularly well. While bear cubs are the figures most closely associated with this glaze, it is possible that other animal models were also produced in similar finishes.

For collectors, these pieces are often bought individually or built up as a small group over time. Some people look for a particular bear cub model or pose, while others simply enjoy the warmth and character they bring to a collection of Poole decorative wares.

As with many of Poole’s more specialist decorative lines, availability can vary considerably. Individual models do not appear regularly, and some poses are seen less often than others, so stock will naturally depend on what becomes available through the pre-loved market.