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Caithness Glass is one of Scotland’s leading producers of artistic glassware. Since 1961, when it was founded in the town of Wick in Caithness, this illustrious company has earned a reputation for producing beautiful handmade glass objects, including complex paperweights, vases, and bowls. Over the years, Caithness Glass has won worldwide acclaim for the exceptional quality, deep colours, and intricate patterns that mark its products. Today, its name is synonymous with innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless style.

A Heritage Inspired by the Highlands

The origins of are deeply rooted in the dramatic natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The company began its production at Harrowhill in Wick, drawing aesthetic inspiration from the countryside around it. The blues of the deep lochs, the purples of heather-covered moors, and the soft colours of misty glens all found their way into the early designs. This connection to the Highlands not only grounded the company in its local roots but set the tone for its artistic direction as well.

The Iconic Caithness Paperweights

Caithness paperweights are some of its most acclaimed products. These small, spherical masterpieces are more than just decorations—they are collector’s treasures. Caithness paperweights were immediately successful and soon became famous for their detail and innovation. Some of the most famous designers have endeavoured to carry on the company’s designing legacy throughout the years. Some of the most prominent names are Colin Terris, who is largely credited with creating the modern Caithness paperweight style, and Margot Thomson, Alastair MacIntosh, Philip Chaplain, and Helen MacDonald. Each brought their own artistic vision to the brand, evolving it while staying true to its original ideals of quality and innovation.

Caithness paperweights are highly collectible today, especially limited editions and those from the early years. Yet, how do you know a piece is genuine? Fortunately, Caithness Glass has always been careful to sign its work prominently. All limited edition paperweights are signed on the base “Caithness Scotland,” along with the design name and edition number. A new numbering system was introduced for unlimited production paperweights in 1983. This system was a letter to represent the year made—beginning with “A” for 1983, “B” for 1984, etc.—coupled with a number that was a running total of that design made to date. This gives collectors a good way of identifying and dating pieces.

Although the company began in Wick, all items are now handcrafted in Crieff, Perthshire. The move did not affect the quality of the work. In fact, the tradition of highly skilled craftsmen carefully handcrafting each item has been continued uncompromised. Each item is still crafted using time-honoured glassblowing techniques, combined with modern innovations in design. It is some of this mixture of tradition and innovation that sets Caithness apart from other glassmakers.

Popular Caithness Paperweights

Some particularly fine examples of Caithness paperweights include “Pink Champagne,” “Congratulations,” and “Cauldron.” These pieces illustrate the brand’s ability to bring together colour, form, and expertise in lovely equilibrium. For the seasoned collector and the beginner to the realm of artistic glass alike, these examples provide an intriguing introduction to the class and ingenuity that define Caithness Glass.

In addition to its aesthetic success, the company is also committed to sustainability and ethical production. The company uses recycled glass in its production process and has taken steps to reduce its environmental footprint. This environmentalism not only helps the planet but illustrates the company’s overall philosophy of care—care for the craft, the customer, and the world we all share.

Why Collect Caithness Glass?

So why do people collect Caithness Glass? There are several good reasons. First and foremost is the quality. Caithness adheres to traditional techniques that ensure each piece is crafted to the highest possible standards. Secondly, there is the uniqueness of the designs. Ranging from modern, avant-garde designs through to soft, organic-inspired designs, the scope is extensive. Finally, the fact that limited edition pieces are available gives that added touch of exclusivity and collectability for a large portion of their product range. Finally, there’s the long-lasting attraction. The items aren’t simply decorative; they’re meaningful and long-lasting. They can be passed from generation to generation, gaining sentimental as well as financial worth over the years.

Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping present, a lovely item for your home, or a new addition to your collection, Caithness Glass is certainly worth considering. Its decades-long reputation for quality, its sense of aesthetics, and its high moral standards make it a beacon of quality in the world of glassmaking.

Start Your Collection Today

In an age where mass production is ever more prevalent, Handmade Glass is a beacon for the merits of handmade craftsmanship. Every item has a story to tell—of Scottish landscapes, artistic vision, and painstaking craftsmanship. For the collector and connoisseur of beautiful objects alike, Caithness Glass presents something very unique: a blend of heritage, innovation, and beauty that still shines brightly over sixty years since its establishment.

https://www.caithnessglass.co.uk

Royal Worcester is one of the oldest remaining English porcelain brands in existence, the standard printed factory mark includes the number 51 in the centre which refers to the year 1751 when the Worcester Porcelain Company was founded by Dr. John Wall.

Good quality porcelain items are always a good place to start collecting and if items have a famous makers mark like Royal Worcester identifying and pricing an object becomes a whole lot easier.

Royal Worcester items to look for:

The figurines designed by Freda Doughty depicting the Months of the Year and Days of the Week have become very collectable in recent years, these figurines can still be picked on a daily basis in thrift shops and car boot sales throughout the country, I’ve even seen a the odd example for sale at Errol Car Boot Sale

However, If you happen to stumble upon one of the beautiful and elaborate porcelain bird figures designed by her sister Dorothy Doughty, you’ve hit the “jackpot”, check ebay for dorothy doughty figures and see what I mean.

Freda’s two most famous figures are

• Grandmother’s Dress
• Boy with a Parakeet

There seems to be an abundance of little Royal Worcester thimbles and trinket boxes around the market, I don’t know why these items have ended up here but these little items can be found on almost any stall.

I recently purchased the three items pictured above and discovered they were egg coddlers, I’ve never even heard the phrase coddled Eggs, but a quick search of google led to full cooking instructions using the very same Royal Worcester Porcelain items in the photograph.

Needless to say it was coddled eggs and toast for supper this evening, the little porcelain items have no great value but have become a firm favourite in my kitchen, for me finding a usable semi-antique object is half the fun of collecting.

Royal Worcester Links:

https://www.portmeirion.co.uk/brands/royal-worcester

Wade Whimsies are a popular collection of ceramic figurines, often depicting whimsical characters and animals. They were produced by Wade Ceramics in the UK from the 1930s to the 1990s. These figurines are known for their charming designs, bright colors, and often humorous subject matter.
Whimsies are highly collectible and can be found in a variety of styles and themes, including animals, children, and fantasy creatures. Many collectors focus on specific series or themes within the Whimsies collection.
In this article we are going to concentrate on the animal figures

Wade Whimsies are a highly collectable range of miniature porcelain figurines produced by Wade Potteries.

Often referred to as collectables with charm, the original series featured a cast of adorable animals which have become popular collector’s items, Wade Whimsies are widely sought after and are suitable for collectors of all ages and budgets.

The Original Wade Whimsies

The original series of Whimsies were produced between 1954 and 1958 and the ten sets produced between that period have become some of the most valuable whimsies to date.

Set one is English Animals – Leaping fawn, horse, spaniel with ball, poodle and squirrel.

Set two is English Animals – Bull, lamb, kitten, hare and dachshund.

Set three is English Country Animals – Badger, fox cub, stoat, Shetland pony and retriever.

Set four is African Jungle Animals – Lion, crocodile, monkey and baby, rhino, baby elephant.

Set five – Horses – this has only 4 pieces in the set – 3 horses and a beagle dog.

Set six – Polar animals – penguin, husky, polar bear, baby seal and polar bear cub.

Set seven – Pedigree dogs – Alsatian, west highland terrier, corgi, boxer and saint Bernard.

Set eight – Zoo animals – camel, cockatoo, giant panda, lion cub and llama.

Sex nine – North American animals – snowy owl, Raccoon, grizzly bear, grizzly cub and cougar.

Set ten – Farm animals – pig. Italian goat, foxhound, shire horse and swan.

Other Wade Sets

Between 1971 and 1984 Wade sold 60 different models in individual boxes. They were produced in sets of 5 animals, the first 5 sets were based on 25 of the Red Rose Tea Canada models. Seven further sets were added containing 35 new animals.

Set 1: Fawn, Rabbit, Mongrel, Kitten and Spaniel.

Set 2: Duck, Corgi, Beaver. Bushbaby and Fox.

Set 3: Bear Cub, Otter, Setter, Owl and Trout.

Set 4: Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, Chimpanzee and Hippo.

Set 5: Squirrel, Hedgehog, Pine Marten, Field Mouse and Alsation.

Set 6: Collie, Cow, Pig, Horse and lamb.

Set 7: Rhino, Leopard, Gorilla, Camel and Zebra.

Set 8: Donkey, barn Owl, Cat, Mouse and Ram.

Set 9: Dolphin, Pelican, Angel Fish, Turtle and Seahorse.

Set 10: Kangaroo, Orang-Utan, Tiger, Koala Bear and Langur.

Set 11: Bison, Bluebird, Bullfrog, Wild Boar and Raccoon.

Set 12: Penguin, Seal Puppy, Husky, Walrus and Polar Bear.

These set are easily distinguished from the early whimsies by ridges on the base of each figure (like sandpaper has been used).

Collecting Wade Whimsies

If you’re interested in collecting Wade Whimsies animal figurines, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Condition: Look for figurines that are in good condition, with no chips, cracks, or fading.
• Rarity: Some figurines are more rare than others, which can affect their value.
• Theme: Consider collecting figurines from a specific theme, such as farm animals or wild animals.
• Completeness: If you’re collecting a series of figurines, try to collect the complete set.

With a little research and patience, you can build a beautiful and valuable collection of Wade Whimsies animal figurines.

Wade Whimsies are on sale every Sunday at Errol Car Boot Sale, prices vary according to the condition and rarity of each individual figurine, but many are priced at £1 making collecting affordable for anyone

https://www.potteriesauctions.com/news/a-guide-to-wade-pottery-markings