A massive collection of antiques, curios, and collectibles, accumulated over a lifetime by the renowned Hull-born toy designer Patrick Rylands, has garnered tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
Over fifty years, Patrick, now 81, the creative force behind some of the UK’s most beloved toys like PlayPlax and ‘Rocky Jocky,’ gathered an eclectic array of items that piqued his interest. His collection ranged from antique ceramics to rare toys, including tin toys and early Mickey Mouse memorabilia, 1930s American radios, and what is considered the best collection of Victorian marbles ever found in the UK.
The collection was so vast that it had to be divided into sections for the auction. The first section, “Curios and Connoisseur Ceramics,” was auctioned at Hansons Auctioneers’ saleroom in Derbyshire on May 29, surpassing all expectations with a total of more than £57,000 and 89 percent of the 327 lots sold.
A standout at the auction was a stunning selection of antique pottery from the 18th century. Rare teapots were particularly sought after, including lot 197, a circa 1770 Staffordshire Wedgwood creamware teapot in a ‘Chintz’ pattern by David Rhodes, which sold for £3,000, doubling its estimate of £1,200-1,500. Similarly, lot 211, a circa 1750 blue/brown wash agate teapot, fetched £2,000 (estimate £450-£550), while lot 201, a circa 1780 cream teapot modeled as ‘Admiral Rodney,’ with a cream ground and pale green dots, sold for £1,800 (estimate £650-750).
Other top sellers included a Creamery Staffordshire Whieldon cow, lot 213, which reached £1,350, surpassing its estimate of £800-1,000. Lot 206, a circa 1770s creamware ‘Cauliflower’ teapot, sold for £1,250, well above its £400-500 estimate. Meanwhile, lot 293, a circa 1810 cream pot engine-turned pot, fetched £1,200 – six times its estimate of £180-200.
The auction also featured various other notable items such as lot 194, a circa 1900 German Mikado Polyphon, a coin-operated floor music box, which sold for £5,400.
Buyers were also attracted to lot 50, a Must de Cartier silver case tank watch, which was estimated at £1,050 against a £300-£500 guide price.