Ceramics

Overview

At Catherine Southon, we are proud to have achieved exceptional results for British and Continental ceramics, handling everything from single-item consignments to large private collections. Our quarterly Fine & Decorative Art auctions consistently feature an extensive and diverse selection of ceramics ranging from Medieval to Modern.

Current Market Overview for Ceramics

While the market has softened for everyday and mid-market ceramics, demand remains strong for early and rare German, English and French porcelain. A notable example occurred in 2021 when a significant private collection of 18th-century porcelain scent bottles achieved a combined hammer price of £25,000 (+BP) at Catherine Southon.

High Demand Categories: Royal Worcester, Majolica & Continental Porcelain

Serious collectors continue to pursue artist-decorated Royal Worcester, especially pieces by celebrated decorators such as Richard Seabright and Harry Stinton. In our October 2025 auction, a pair of Royal Worcester vases attracted competitive bidding and realised £1,200 (+BP).

The market also remains strong for the finest majolica wares by Minton and George Jones, as well as key Continental factories, including German Meissen and Russian Gardener porcelain.

Rising Demand for Studio Pottery

Interest in 20th-century British studio pottery continues to grow. Works by Dame Lucie Rie, one of the most influential and innovative potters of the period, frequently achieve high prices at auction. Collectors also seek pieces by her contemporaries, including Bernard Leach, David Leach, Hans Coper, John Ward, and Shoji Hamada.