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Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780
Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd
Id #SA1074371
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Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

18th century
Sold 30 January 2026 · Gillers Antiques Ltd
This “Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780” found a buyer.

It was listed by Gillers Antiques Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A pair of antique Derby porcelain figures, end of 18th century, modelled as a girl with yarn winder and boy reading. Both have been hand painted in enamels. These figurines have been made with exceptional care; their natural postures, facial expressions and beautiful clothes all speak of the highest level of master attention. The girl is dressed in a light dress with floral ornament, trimmed with lace, a green blouse with orange stripes on top, a headdress with golden ornament on her head, coral beads and golden earrings perfectly complement her clothes. On her knees there is a bag with yarn. The details of the clothes are jewellery made of porcelain, especially the porcelain laces. The boy is dressed in a light green jacket with gold buttons and trimmed with gold, a waistcoat in a pinkish tone with gold trim, striped light pink with purple trousers and shoes with gold buckles. In his hands he holds a small red book. Both sitting on fancy gilded chairs, the boy has a beautiful bouquet under his chair, which he didn't give to the girl for some reason. The figures standing on a circular florally decorated and scroll moulded base. All details of the figurines are made very realistically with the highest manufacturing technique. Since 1750 Derby has always produced high quality items.

These figurines are described in Peter Bradshaw's book Derby Porcelain Figurines 1750-1848, page 291. :

«Boy reading a book and girl tatting

A boyattired in a wig,long coat,waistcoat and breeches,sits with legs crossed,holding his right ankle with hi Companion girl wears a linen cap,blouse and long skirt,sits likewise tatting and with her brimmed hat balanced upon her right knee.s left hand,reading from a book held in his right hahd at arm's lenght.»

The first mention of these models appeared in 1771.(incised ?184)

Our figures have incised ? 314

Derby figures with the incised mark 'N' are particularly sought after and date to between c1765 and c1785.

The same figures can be found at Derby Museums and Art Gallery

Height 15 cm, width 8,2 cm, depth 9,5 cm

Condition:

Boy-Thin crack on wrist of right hand,faring crack on bottom of figurine,small chips on cuffs

Girl-Possibly was made restoration of the elbow of the left arm, but if it was made, it is very professional, it is difficult to understand whether there was any restoration at all.

Small chips on the cuffs.

Otherwise excellent antique condition with excellent preservation of paints and enamel.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.

Price includes delivery

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Antique Porcelain Figurines to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1074371
Description
A pair of antique Derby porcelain figures, end of 18th century, modelled as a girl with yarn winder and boy reading. Both have been hand painted in enamels.
“
These figurines have been made with exceptional care; their natural postures, facial expressions and beautiful clothes all speak of the highest level of master attention.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The girl is dressed in a light dress with floral ornament, trimmed with lace, a green blouse with orange stripes on top, a headdress with golden ornament on her head, coral beads and golden earrings perfectly complement her clothes. On her knees there is a bag with yarn. The details of the clothes are jewellery made of porcelain, especially the porcelain laces. The boy is dressed in a light green jacket with gold buttons and trimmed with gold, a waistcoat in a pinkish tone with gold trim, striped light pink with purple trousers and shoes with gold buckles. In his hands he holds a small red book. Both sitting on fancy gilded chairs, the boy has a beautiful bouquet under his chair, which he didn't give to the girl for some reason. The figures standing on a circular florally decorated and scroll moulded base. All details of the figurines are made very realistically with the highest manufacturing technique. Since 1750 Derby has always produced high quality items.

fig 1. A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
fig 1. Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

These figurines are described in Peter Bradshaw's book Derby Porcelain Figurines 1750-1848, page 291. :

«Boy reading a book and girl tatting

A boyattired in a wig,long coat,waistcoat and breeches,sits with legs crossed,holding his right ankle with hi Companion girl wears a linen cap,blouse and long skirt,sits likewise tatting and with her brimmed hat balanced upon her right knee.s left hand,reading from a book held in his right hahd at arm's lenght.»

fig 2. A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
fig 2. Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

The first mention of these models appeared in 1771.(incised ?184)

Our figures have incised ? 314

Derby figures with the incised mark 'N' are particularly sought after and date to between c1765 and c1785.

fig 3. A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
fig 3. Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

The same figures can be found at Derby Museums and Art Gallery

Height 15 cm, width 8,2 cm, depth 9,5 cm

Condition:

Boy-Thin crack on wrist of right hand,faring crack on bottom of figurine,small chips on cuffs

fig 4. A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
fig 4. Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

Girl-Possibly was made restoration of the elbow of the left arm, but if it was made, it is very professional, it is difficult to understand whether there was any restoration at all.

Small chips on the cuffs.

fig 5. A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
fig 5. Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

Otherwise excellent antique condition with excellent preservation of paints and enamel.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.

Price includes delivery

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Antique Porcelain Figurines to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1074371
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

Archive II A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View II
Archive III A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View III
Archive IV A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View IV
Archive V A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View V
Archive VI A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View VI
Archive VII A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View IX
Archive X A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View X
Archive XI A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View XI
Archive XII A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View XV
Archive XVI A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume. View XVI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 399
Items Sold 576
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
399
Sold
576
A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, c.1780
Ref: SA1074371
A pair of antique Derby porcelain figurines depicting a seated man holding a book and a seated woman in period costume.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialSoft-paste porcelain, enamel, gold leaf
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsHand-painted polychrome, Gilded scroll bases, Period costume detailing

Derby porcelain figures emerged from the renowned Crown Derby factory in the 18th century, becoming celebrated for their fine soft-paste porcelain composition, intricate hand-painting, and detailed rococo or neoclassical styling.

These pieces were typically crafted using soft-paste porcelain paste, shaped in multi-part moulds, and hand-finished with polychrome enamel paints and gilding before undergoing multiple kiln firings.

Authenticity is determined by examining the paste under magnification, checking for period-appropriate underglaze or incised factory marks, assessing the quality of the hand-painting, and identifying age-related crazing or wear.

These pieces can be displayed within glass-fronted cabinets, on mantelshelves, or as focal points on side tables, pairing their classical colourful detail with clean-lined modern backdrops to create a curated display.

Preservation requires keeping pieces out of direct sunlight to prevent paint fading, dusting gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding immersion in water due to potential enamel damage, and placing them in stable, low-humidity environments.
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