Basil Matthews Figurine Bison Art Pottery Mid Century Design Large L20cm

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Seller: Top-Rated Seller simon.willcock.antiques ✉️ (8,004) 100%, Location: Madeley, GB, Ships to: GB & many other countries, Item: 196316854962 Basil Matthews Figurine Bison Art Pottery Mid Century Design Large L20cm.

SW-5326-0423

Rare Basil Matthews Bison Figurine Art Pottery Mid Century Design Large L20cm Circa 1950

Item: 

A rare Basil Matthews art pottery Bison figurine, modelled in typical mid-century Basil Matthew style. This style led the figures to be retail in Harrods and Fortnum and Mason mid Century, placed alongside designs like Wedgwood Alfred Machin Taurus the bull figures.

Fully hand signed to the base.

Basil Matthews

Stylish and sought after figures. Please see other listings for more pieces from private collection. Further information below.

The Basil Matthews Story

Basil Matthews was born in Abergavenny, Wales. He honed his artistic ability by modelling animals he saw at the circuses that visited the small market town on the Wales/English borders. But a small town was not place for a lively young man anxious to start his life. He put his age 'on' and joined the army with the idea of seeing the world. It worked and he was sent to Egypt for his two years National Service. In 1936? he married Charlotte Emily Davies who he met when she was visiting a relative in Abergavenny. Basil found work in the Ford Motor works in Dagenham, Essex. In 1939 he was called up to serve his country as WW11 was declared. Because of his previous national Service experience, he was sent to Egypt as a tank engineer, part of Field Marshall Montgomery's 'Desert Rats' - the 8th army. Sadly, he contracted trachoma from the many desert flies living in the sand. He was expected to go blind very quickly and was sent home and issued with a white stick. This was disastrous for the young and ambitious artist. he was enrolled under the medical supervision of an eye surgeon. With careful nursing from his wife, blindness was averted and a miraculous return to health was assured. 

 

After producing an award-winning tableau in clay he was given access to The Bilston College of art. Here he was able to hone his talent and experiment with various clays, glazes and technical skills necessary to become a professional ceramic artist. He began to develop his unique view of animal inspired art. His figurine designs took on an almost whimsical and rapidly became favourites among collectors in the many specialist art shops around the British Isles. He also took on commissions for serious figurine studies and modelled Arab stallions, prize winning Hereford bulls and cows as well as favourite pets. But he will always be remembered for his unique hand modelled animal kingdom. The decorating was all hand painted and many were adorned with flowers. 

 

His work continued to have a growing number of collectors and sales were made to Harrods, Fornum and Masons, Zellis in the Burlington Arcade, London and he supplied a growing export market all from a tiny studio. The USA market opened up and many of his figurines were sold through specialist art shops and major stores such as Neiman Marcus and Gimbles. 

 

One of his memorable accomplishments was to supply a figurine to Princess Alice. Basil also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts as well as other acclaimed societies. 

 

Always willing to experiment with new materials he teamed up with his son Jeff to produce new designs in a newly developed material which allowed some items to be reproduced in a small studio situation in Wales and hand decorated but not needing Basils hands on each figurine. He continued to supervise the quality and standard of reproduction which was also overseen by his daughter Brenda who also designed under her own name, and Jeff his son. Basil continued to produce his hand modelled work from his studio in Wolverhampton aided by a handful of trained helpers.

 

Basil also used other art materials and produced his designs in cold cast bronze as well as lost wax (foundry) bronze with the technical assistance of his son.

 

Over the years he was often filmed for local television and his story and illustrations of his art was  published in glossy magazines as his reputation grew.

 

 At all times he was supported and encouraged by his wife 'Lottie'.

 

Date: 1950’s

Measurements Approximately:

h- 12.0 cm, 120 mm.

l- 20.0 cm, 200 mm.

Condition Report:   Excellent condition for age- Displays very well. Possible professional restoration to right horn although very difficult to say for sure, looks perfect. Please see images.  Worldwide shipping. Please ask questions.

Please see images.

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  • Condition: Used
  • Condition: Condition Report: Excellent condition for age- Displays very well. Possible professional restoration to right horn although very difficult to say for sure, looks perfect. Please see images. Worldwide shipping. Please ask questions.
  • Pattern: Flower
  • Occasion: All Occasions
  • Size: Large
  • Signed: Yes
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Item Length: 20 cm
  • Subject: Bison
  • Colour: Multicoloured
  • Brand: Basil Matthews
  • Type: Figurine
  • retro, vintage , Wedgwood, Cheviot: rare, denby , ercol , mid century
  • Era: Mid 20th Century (1941-1969)
  • Item Height: 12 cm
  • Collection: Basil Matthews
  • Style: Mid Century
  • Theme: Floral
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Time Period Manufactured: 1950-1959
  • Finish: Matte
  • Handmade: Yes

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