Dubarry (Porcelaine de Limoges) have produced a series of pill/trinket boxes based on the Masks produced for the Princes Trust by 500 celebrities and well known spokespeople from the worlds of art, music, theatre, film, politics, business and sport.

Each celebrity was invited to decorate a clay mask. The results are a stunning collection of original designs. Pictured top right are three of the boxes from designs by Sting, Bette Midler and Mary Quant. The actual masks by Sting and Bette Midler are pictured.

Masks are an important part of human culture in art, tradition and story telling. Painting a representation of the human face is unlike decorating any other object. Masks can say much about the people behind them.

Initially only 30 of the Masks are being produced by Dubarry in Limited Editions of 500 and include the Masks of Barry Manilow, Richard Branson, Danny De Vito and Kirk Douglas. Pictured left are the boxes from designs by Barry Manilow, Nick Faldo and Tina Turner.

The initial sale of the original Masks raised over £300,000 ($500,000), with another substantial amount raised from auction catalogues, merchandise and sponsorship. A royalty is being paid by Dubarry for every box sold. The Prince’s Trust was set up in 1976 by HRH The Prince of Wales. Its aim is to help disadvantaged young people reach their ambitions by providing opportunities which they would not otherwise have received.

For those of us who could not afford the originals at auction these are a nice collectible alternative.