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The innovative designs of Sally and her team at Dennis Chinaworks have always been rewarded when their one-off prestigious pieces go under the hammer at Bonhams annual sale. This year sees another exciting array of one-one pots being auctioned; proving once again the skilled craftsmanship of this contemporary Somerset pottery is second to none.

Usually held in December, this year the auction has been moved forward and will take place on 26th September. Not deterred by this earlier deadline Dennis Chinaworks have once again surpassed themselves with the most glorious and diverse range of designs and shapes which have been designed by Sally, thrown by Rory or Chris and decorated by one of the paintresses.

One design that has always proved popular both with Bonhams and collectors are the Head vases. Last year saw “Snowflake” realise a fantastic £2,200 which was so well deserved for this innovative design. However, this year I believe that the head vases will result in a much higher price because as always the team as constantly improving on their designs and the two on offer at Bonhams this year are far more intricate. The first head vase “Blossom” is not only beautifully decorated by Michelle Frost but also has the added ingredient of modeled butterflies which Alan Pepper has magically applied. The other Head vase on offer has been decorated by Vanessa Thompson and has the recognizable profile of well-known 1930’s American dancer Josephine Baker wearing one her of her famous Art Deco bracelets.
Also included in the sale will be a larger “Beethoven” and “Kiss”. Again executed with tremendous skill, Sally and Heidi hope these will prove as successful as “Dancer” was last year

Another unusual design is in the form of a modeled “Cabbage Bowl”. Decorated by Heidi it has a white cabbage hovering inside. Other pots included in the sale include A tapestry of Blackberry has been applied to a Baluster vase by Theresa, a Puffin Footbath by Michelle and a large Octopus and Lobster pot by Heidi. Not forgetting the “Anemone” large flask by Vanessa and an extra large “Peacock” flask by Theresa which is modeled in relief and applied by the sprigging technique

Pots featuring natural wildlife such as frogs have always appealed to collectors so the extra large “Tree Frog Flask” and the “Tree Frog Dish” are sure to reach good prices as each piece is decorated with rain forest foliage and features modeled frogs in different poses.

Chargers have also proved popular and this year there will be two up for grabs at the sale. “Black Jasmine” stunningly decorated by Natasha Spearpoint has modeled butterflies and ladybirds which according to Richard is irresistibly tactile, although highly impractical. Also Tania Pike’s “Jewelled Dragonfly” charger which was available as a limited edition this year has been adapted for Bonhams with lustred cabouchon jewels in relief.

Although the existing shapes are always a winner Dennis Chinaworks are constantly looking to introduce fresh new exciting designs and so have created two teapots for this year’s sale. The “Acorn and Oak Leaves” by Theresa Blackmore resembles perfectly the symbol of nature, with an acorn as the knop and the “DCW Bees” was a must to include as Richard Dennis explains that the bees have become one of Sally’s trademark designs.

But of course the Bonhams sale would not be complete without one star lot that is sure to shine. In the Antarctic winter, penguins huddle together in order to maintain heat, save energy and sustain breeding. Inspired by this act of nature Sally has designed a large box with the lid entirely covered with modeled penguins huddled together. Without doubt “Huddling” should steal the show and who knows perhaps set a new record for this deserving contemporary pottery.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact Bonhams for further information on the Sale. 
Visit www.bonhams.com or email Natalie.evison@bonhams.com.
Tel : 0207 629 6602.

Visit the WCN Sally Tuffin information pages and message board.