Over recent months, we've seen a rise in demand from collectors and interior designers for modern decorative objects-think glass, ceramics and sculpture by celebrated makers like, Moorcroft, Poole Pottery, Royal Crown Derby, Lalique, Caithness, John Ditchfield, Lorna Bailey. mid‑century studio potters and more. These items combine clean lines, refined colours, and timeless craftsmanship in a way that both complements and contrasts with traditional antiques.

We are launching a special invitation: we’re actively seeking mid‑20th‑century items from households, collections, estates and businesses, especially ceramics, glassware and studio pottery dating from around 1950 onwards.

Could you have something you’ve overlooked, perhaps in a cupboard, loft or inherited collection? Read on to see why these pieces stand out, and why now is the perfect time to consign.

What Makes Modern Decorative Objects So Desirable?

  1. Timeless style meets versatility
    Mid‑century ceramics and glass are instantly recognisable: optimism in colour, uncluttered forms, and a minimalism that complements both contemporary décor and classic interiors.

Growing collector base
As retro-futurist and Scandinavian-inspired interiors become mainstream, demand for genuine mid-century pieces continues to climb. This has resulted in a buoyant collector market and stronger hammer prices.

Proven Results at Dugglebys

We hold Antiques Decorative Objects auctions every three weeks, serving a high demand for such items. Some of our recent  

Royal Crown Derby
A recent highlight being a tea service for six in the Imari 1128 pattern, which included teacups, saucers, plates, a sandwich plate, milk jug, sucrier and cake slice - this elegant set achieved £480 at auction. The classic Imari palette of cobalt blue, iron red and gold continues to be hugely popular, particularly when pieces are well-kept and presented as complete sets.

Lalique
A Sailfish mascot from the 2020 Essence of Speed collection, made in collaboration with McLaren and complete with its original lightbox stand, certificate and box, achieved £1,500. A set of Lalique frosted glass birds also drew attention in an earlier sale, with their clean lines and classic forms standing out to collectors and sold for £140. Decorative and signed Lalique pieces, especially those with strong visual appeal, remain consistently in demand across both UK and international markets.

Moorcroft
We are seeing strong demand particularly for later 20th and early 21st-century pieces in bold patterns or limited editions. A 2017 Whitby Harbour vase, sold recently for £420, showed just how well-presented, colourful designs can command attention. A more modest Cambrian Blue vase by Kerry Goodwin, complete with box, achieved £110 - proof that even smaller, newer pieces have a solid place in today’s market.

Local Makers
We see consistently strong interest in locally produced pieces, especially when well presented and carry a known name or mark. Gillies Jones, the renowned glassmakers based in Rosedale Abbey, are a perfect example. Their bold use of colour and refined contemporary forms continue to attract collectors. A stunning decorated glass bowl by the duo, signed and dated 2002, achieved £130, reflecting the continued demand for their studio work. Likewise, John Egerton, a Yorkshire potter known for his sculptural, expressive pieces, has gained a loyal following. One of his large decorated stoneware vases, bearing his signature mark, sold for £120 in a recent sale. We’ve also handled striking ceramic work by Ben Arnup, whose geometric illusions and architectural forms make his pieces instantly recognisable. With his trompe l'oeil angular form sculpture fetching £100.

Bronze Sculpture
Bronze remains one of the most enduring and collectable mediums in the decorative arts, especially when paired with skilled, expressive sculptors. Sally Arnup, one of Britain’s most respected animal sculptors, continues to command strong prices. Her beautifully observed bronze Little Owl, signed and numbered, achieved £3,900 - a testament to both her legacy and the demand for finely cast, naturalistic sculpture. Contemporary sculptors are also attracting interest, such as Carl Longworth, whose charming Wren on Ball, a limited edition bronze, sold for £170. These smaller works, often in editions of fewer than 200, appeal to both new collectors and seasoned buyers looking to add distinctive, well-made pieces to their collections. If you have bronze sculpture, particularly signed and limited editions, now is an excellent time to consider entering them for auction.

What We’re Looking for

If you’ve got decorative pieces from around 1950 to the 1990s, now’s a great time to get in touch. These items continue to attract buyers across the UK, Europe and beyond and many don’t need a high estimate to perform well. From collectors and stylists to first-time buyers, there’s growing demand for well-made, visually striking pieces from this period.

We’re especially looking for items by makers like Royal Crown Derby, whose late 20th-century output, particularly Imari-pattern vases, figurines and paperweights, remains incredibly popular thanks to its craftsmanship and rich detail. Lalique is another standout, with their signed crystal animals, bowls and ornaments continuing to catch buyers’ eyes for their elegance and timeless appeal.

Caithness glass is also in demand, especially limited-edition paperweights and vases from the 60s and 70s, pieces full of colour and mid-century character. And if you have anything by Lorna Bailey, her bold, hand-painted pottery designs still have a strong following, thanks to their playful take on classic Art Deco forms.

We’re also very keen to see studio pottery, whether it’s by a well-known maker or simply a beautifully made, hand-thrown piece with good presence and glaze. These one-off works bring personality and texture to modern interiors, and buyers are responding in kind. Alongside this, we welcome modern art glass from across Europe, including Murano, Orrefors and other makers known for vibrant colour, swirl designs and sculptural forms.

So whether it’s something you’ve inherited, bought years ago, or just rediscovered in the back of a cupboard, it could be just what today’s buyers are looking for. We're happy to advise, and there's still time to include your items in our upcoming Decorative sale.

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