Royal Doulton bulldogs fly off shelves after James Bond role
ORNAMENTAL British bulldogs have been flying off the shelves since the premiere of the latest James Bond film.
The red, blue and white collectables, made by Royal Doulton, are being snapped up for as much as £150 following an appearance in blockbuster movie Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig.
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Dame Judi Dench as M in Skyfall, with the Royal Doulton dog (bottom left).
The Barlaston-based pottery firm has sold out of the iconic figurine, named 'Jack' after the Union Jack flag.
They expect it to be available again no sooner than February 2013.
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The figure, which dates back to the 1940s, features in the 23rd installment of the James Bond saga and can be seen in several of the film's MI6-based shots.
The dog, which sits on M's desk, survives an explosion and plays a poignant role in the film's final scenes.
Longton historian Angie Stevenson has welcomed the news, claiming the film has had a positive impact on Stoke-on-Trent.
She said: "It's fantastic and quite unbelievable really.
"Anything that puts the Potteries on the map for the right reason is excellent.
"I heard people talking about the fact the bulldog was made by Royal Doulton when the film first came out but I wasn't quite sure how big of a thing it would be. It's marvellous for the city.
"James Bond films always go down in history and if Stoke-on-Trent can play a part in that, however small that part may be, then that is fantastic. I hope other films follow in its footsteps."
Sixty eight-year-old James Green, of Baldwins Gate, has worked for pottery companies including Royal Doulton, Crown Staffs China and Staffordshire Potteries.
He said: "The British bulldog is not a figure I particularly recognise but I am not surprised it has done so well in terms of sales because it plays quite a poignant part in the film and I have no doubt that this would have helped to raise the profile of Royal Doulton.
"By the end of the film, the figure is in the hands of James Bond, which is great advertising really.
"It is a classic British piece which incorporates a British Bulldog and the Union Jack.
"Credit must be given to Royal Doulton for doing such a great job with it."
Jack is based on an iconic bulldog, originally modelled by Royal Doulton's art director Charles Noke.
After the company was commissioned by James Bond filmmakers to reproduce the item it has proved a popular purchase for members of the public.
A spokesman for Royal Doulton said: "Since the 19th Century the Bulldog has symbolised the steely determination of the British character and, given wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill's uncanny facial resemblance to the dog, it was inevitable that the 1940s saw a plethora of bulldog-linked propaganda and imagery.
"Seventy years on, and in harmony with a momentous year for Great Britain, the Royal Doulton bulldog takes centre stage once again."
Jack has been produced alongside two other bulldogs, Alfie, who sports a trendy London motif, and Patch, who models a map of Great Britain on its coat.
For more information visit: www.royal-doulton.com.
Comments
by jammie
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 3:15AM
“Royal Doulton my foot....its about as British made as Swiss cuckoo clocks.
All Doulton have managed in the last few years is to go bust, for the owner to sell the bankrupt company to Wedgwood (his other major interest) putting his dire management team in charge forcing WW down the pan too.
Glad theyre selling something though to safe gaurd some jobs but it would be nice if they attempted to make it here...after all werent we the pottries once!”
by Jolyteddy
Monday, November 12 2012, 12:56PM
“Sold out and not avalable until February 2013.
This does support the suggestion that the figures are made abroad. If made here, they'd probably rearrange production lines to take advantage while sales are hot. This way over three months' potential sales will be lost.”
by Putthebootin
Monday, November 12 2012, 12:31PM
“It might carry the Royal Doulton name but where was it made ? Thailand?China? you can guarantee they arent made in Stoke on Trent by the good people who built the reputation of Royal Doulton.”
by britpark
Monday, November 12 2012, 11:52AM
“Risen again as WWRD (Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton)”
by stokeandvale
Monday, November 12 2012, 10:26AM
“I thought Royal Doulton had gone bust and been knocked down (Burslem)?”