The Modern Era Sculptors
The Modern Era Sculptors
Royal Doulton Designers from 1970 to the Final Figurines (2021)
Introduction
The Modern Era of Royal Doulton figurines spans from the early 1970s through to December 2021, when production of all Royal Doulton figurines was officially discontinued. This period saw remarkable changes: new artistic directions, the transition of production from England to Thailand, corporate ownership changes, and ultimately the end of an era that began in 1913.
The designers of this era faced unique challenges—honoring the legacy of masters like Noke and Harradine while developing contemporary styles that appealed to new collectors. Their work encompasses everything from prestige limited editions to popular annual figurines, from Elvis portraits to Disney collaborations.
This guide celebrates ten designers whose combined work represents the final chapters of Royal Doulton's figurine story. For collectors, these pieces offer both accessibility and investment potential, as production has now permanently ended.
Robert Tabbenor
The Master Remodeler
Biography and Role
Robert Tabbenor played a crucial role in Royal Doulton's modern era, serving as both an original designer and a master remodeler. His unique position allowed him to update and refine classic designs from earlier artists including Leslie Harradine, Peggy Davies, Charles Noke, and Harry Tittensor for contemporary production.
Artistic Contributions
Tabbenor's remodeling work required exceptional skill—he had to understand the original designer's intent while making technical improvements for modern production methods. His work helped keep beloved classics in production while ensuring quality standards were maintained.
Notable Work
• Remodeled Harradine classics - Updated versions of Pretty Ladies favorites
• Remodeled Noke designs - Character figures updated for modern production
• Character figure contributions - Original designs continuing the tradition
Alan Maslankowski
The Prestige Sculptor
Biography
Alan Maslankowski was one of the most talented artists in Royal Doulton's studio during the modern era. His ability to capture dramatic poses and detailed character made him the natural choice for prestige pieces and complex figure groups.
Tragically, Maslankowski was working on a dramatic bust of Elvis Presley when he died, leaving his colleague Tim Potts to continue the Elvis project. His existing body of work remains highly regarded by collectors.
Artistic Style
Maslankowski excelled at capturing movement, drama, and character in his figurines. His work on the Images series and prestige figures demonstrated technical mastery and artistic vision that honored the Royal Doulton tradition while bringing fresh perspectives.
Notable Figurines
• The Wizard (HN2877) - 1979-2004, one of his most popular designs
• Images Series - Elegant contemporary figurines
• Prestige Figures - Large-scale dramatic pieces
Douglas V. Tootle
The Character Tradition Continuer
Biography and Style
Douglas Tootle contributed to the character figure collection alongside Robert Tabbenor, helping maintain the strong tradition established by earlier masters. His work demonstrated the continuing vitality of Royal Doulton's character figure tradition well into the modern era.
Notable Contributions
• Character figures in the tradition of Harradine and Nicoll
• Working character studies depicting traditional occupations
Eric J. Griffiths
Director of Sculpture & Innovator
Biography
Eric Griffiths became Royal Doulton's Director of Sculpture in 1974, bringing new ideas and artistic direction to the HN collection. His appointment marked a significant transition point as the company sought to evolve its figurine line for contemporary tastes.
Innovation and Experimentation
Griffiths experimented with figures in modern dress, including mini-skirts and blue jeans, though many of these designs remained as prototypes rather than production pieces. He advocated for taller figures and matt glazes, which he felt brought more character to facial features.
His willingness to push boundaries, even when designs didn't reach production, helped Royal Doulton explore new creative directions during a period of significant cultural change.
Notable Figurines
• Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (HN2882) - 80th Birthday commemorative, limited to 1,500
• Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (HN3189) - 90th Birthday celebration
• Matt glaze figurines - His signature finish style
Peter A. Gee
The Royal Portrait Master
Biography and Style
Peter Gee worked alongside Pauline Parsons and Valerie Annand in developing the figurine collection in new design directions during the 1980s and 1990s. He became particularly known for his royal portrait figurines, capturing British royalty with dignity and attention to ceremonial detail.
Notable Figurines
• HM Queen Elizabeth II (HN3440) - 1992, limited edition of 3,500
• Royal Family portraits - Various commemorative pieces
• Pretty Ladies contributions - Elegant female figurines
Adrian Hughes
The Contemporary Designer
Biography and Style
Adrian Hughes contributed to Royal Doulton's figurine collection during the later years of English production and into the Thailand era. His work helped bridge traditional Royal Doulton aesthetics with contemporary collecting tastes.
Notable Contributions
• Pretty Ladies designs - Contemporary interpretations of the classic series
John Bromley
The Prolific Modern Master
Biography
John Bromley was one of the most prolific Royal Doulton designers of the modern era, creating numerous Pretty Ladies, character figures, and special editions throughout his tenure. His versatility allowed him to work across virtually every category of Royal Doulton figurine production.
Artistic Range
Bromley's work ranged from elegant Pretty Ladies to character studies, from commemorative pieces to Disney collaborations. This breadth made him one of the most important designers of Royal Doulton's later period.
Notable Figurines
• Vanity Fair Ladies Series - Including Mary (HN2374)
• Disney Princess Collection contributions
• Prestige figures and limited editions
• Figure of the Year designs
Tim Potts
The Elvis Era Designer
Biography
Tim Potts capitalized on the interest in Elvis Presley to produce a set of portrait figures following the death of Alan Maslankowski, who had been working on an Elvis bust. His Elvis figurines were among the pieces made in Thailand when Doulton's production began moving offshore in the 1990s.
Notable Figurines
• Elvis Presley portrait figures - Capturing the King of Rock and Roll
• Diana, Princess of Wales (HN5066) - Royal commemorative
• Figure of the Year designs
• Pretty Ladies contributions - Theresa (HN4993) and others
Neil Faulkner
The Final Era Designer
Biography
Neil Faulkner is the renowned British designer responsible for all figurines in Royal Doulton's Annual Collections during the final years of production. His work represented the last chapter of Royal Doulton's figurine story, creating pieces that honored tradition while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Artistic Approach
Faulkner's designs draw inspiration from fashion, dance, jewelry, and beauty. His figurines reflect modern themes of empowerment and diversity, incorporating contemporary influences while maintaining the graceful, feminine qualities that define Royal Doulton's Pretty Ladies tradition.
Notable Figurines
• Annual Figurines - All Figure of the Year designs in later years
• Pretty Ladies Collection contributions
• Contemporary designs reflecting modern fashion and style
Collecting Significance
As the designer of the final Royal Doulton figurines, Neil Faulkner's pieces hold special significance for collectors. His annual figurines, now permanently discontinued, represent the end of a tradition stretching back to 1913. These pieces are likely to appreciate as collectors seek to own examples from the final era of production.
Chris Jackson
The Royal Wedding Sculptor
Biography and Style
Chris Jackson contributed to Royal Doulton's figurine collection during the final decade of production, creating notable pieces including royal commemoratives. His work demonstrated continued excellence in portraiture and special occasion pieces.
Notable Figurines
• Catherine Duchess of Cambridge (HN5559) - The Royal Wedding Day, 2011, glazed with rare lustre finish, limited to 7,500
• Emily (HN4817) - 2006 Figure of the Year
• Pretty Ladies contributions - Including Emily (HN5259)
Collecting Modern Era Figurines
The Investment Case
With Royal Doulton figurine production permanently discontinued in December 2021, modern era pieces represent a unique opportunity. No new figurines will ever be made, meaning current supply is the final supply. While Golden Age pieces command premium prices due to rarity and age, modern era figurines offer:
• Accessibility: More available and often more affordable than pre-war pieces
• Better Condition: Newer pieces are more likely to be in mint condition
• Documentation: More likely to have original boxes, certificates, and provenance
• Appreciation Potential: Values likely to increase as collectors realize production has ended
Key Collecting Tips
1. Prioritize Limited Editions: Pieces with numbered certificates are inherently scarcer.
2. Figure of the Year Pieces: Production strictly limited to one year makes these naturally rare.
3. Keep Original Packaging: Boxes and certificates significantly increase value.
4. Thailand vs. England: Some collectors prefer English-made pieces; check backstamps.
5. Designer Focus: Building collections around specific designers creates cohesive, meaningful collections.
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