Royal Doulton Large Size Irish Setter HN1054

Royal Doulton Large Irish Setter HN1054, standing 7.5 inches (19cm) tall, designed by Frederick Daws, issued 1931-1960. This magnificent large-size figurine faithfully captures Champion Pat O'Moy, one of the celebrated show dogs immortalized in Royal Doulton's prestigious Champion Dog series. The setter is depicted in show stance with rich reddish-brown coat, carefully hand-painted to showcase the breed's distinctive flowing coat and athletic build.

Frederick Thomas Daws (1878-1956) was a distinguished animal painter and sculptor who found his true calling early in life. After studying at the Lambeth School of Art, he exhibited his painting "Companions in Trouble" at the Royal Academy at just eighteen years of age, going on to exhibit eleven more works there. He also showed at The Paris Salon, the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Walker Gallery in Liverpool, and the Royal Society of British Artists.

Daws was a master of canine anatomy, producing paintings and bronze sculptures that became important records of top-winning show dogs. He painted many of the prize dogs of well-known dog fanciers, including over twenty years of commissions for Mrs. Campbell-Inglis' famous Poodles from the Wimbledon Mannerhead Kennels. His work was also reproduced on thirty-six postcards for Spratts Dog Food Company.

In 1930, Daws became the principal artist at Royal Doulton designing their Champion Dog series—a prestigious collection of porcelain figurines modeled after champion Crufts-winning dogs. The series launched in 1931 and continued until 1968, representing the golden age of British dog breeding and showing. Each figurine was meticulously modeled to capture not only the physical perfection of these champion dogs but also their individual character and presence.

The Irish Setter series was produced in three sizes—small (HN1056, 4"H), medium (HN1055, 5.25"H), and this large version (HN1054, 7.5"H). The large size was retired in 1960, making it considerably rarer than the medium size which remained in production until 1985. Each piece was hand-made in bone china at the Burslem factory in Staffordshire and individually hand-decorated by skilled painters, with multiple firings achieving the characteristic translucency and brilliant glazes.

The HN numbering system honors Harry Nixon, who served as head of Royal Doulton's painting department beginning in 1900. Each figurine bears the Royal Doulton backstamp along with the HN number hand-painted on the base.

Perfect for collectors of Royal Doulton dogs, Irish Setter enthusiasts, canine art, champion show dogs, and mid-century decorative porcelain. The large size represents the most impressive and desirable version from this celebrated series.

This example is in mint condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The hand-painted details retain their original brilliance and the high-gloss glaze remains perfect.