BY NUALA MCALOON
Anticipation is building among antique collectors across the world all eagerly participating in the once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of Belleek Pottery's most renowned statues.
The magnificent 'Figure of Erin' is the star attraction in Belleek Pottery's Limited Edition 2008 Archive Collection which comprises of 16 pieces recreated from the company's design vaults and representing various periods in the life and times of Ireland's oldest pottery.
Beginning on Monday last, the online auction will run until the end of January.
To launch the Collection, Belleek Pottery is holding an online auction for its Number One marked Figure of Erin statue and Fergus Cleary, Belleek's Head of Design, is expecting an unprecedented response.
"The Figure of Erin is truly a landmark in Belleek's history and undoubtedly one of the most intricate designs that Belleek has ever created and one of the most exclusive pieces that will ever be introduced.
"The pottery has already been inundated with enquiries from across the world and we expect an enormous response to the auction for the Number One Figure of Erin with strong predictions of a record sale price.
Only 20 statues have been crafted adding to her overall allure and already we have received six pre-orders, but of course the main attraction for collectors will be on acquiring the Number One marked piece," Mr Cleary said.
Baseline retail value of the 20 statues will be £7,500. However, for the Number One marked piece up for auction and the large international interest the final sale value is due to greatly increase. Initially called 'Hibernia Awaking from her Slumbers', Mr Cleary added that the statue also had a fascinating allegorical significance:
"Erin is an extremely significant piece symbolising the dawn of the pottery and Ireland's embryonic entry into the world of industry. The exquisite statue has been painstakingly recreated using original pottery moulds from when the piece was first introduced in the 1870s. She was created regardless of cost or complexity with the pottery remaining committed to the highest of artistic principles."
Designed by Dublin born sculptor William Boyden Kirk (1824 – 1900), the Figure of Erin stands at 17.5 inches tall. It was first introduced in the 1870s and displayed at the Dublin Exhibition of 1872. Only ever made to order, no more than 100 Figure of Erin pieces have ever been made.
Erin stands in strap sandals on the Belleek flagstone, with the waves of Lough Erne washing them, and her robe flowing over an Irish Harp behind her and a Celtic cross to her left. She is unveiling an urn inscribed with the words 'Belleek Pottery' representing the first ceramic piece to be produced there.
During the mid 19th century, Belleek Pottery received orders of tremendous prestige for customised pieces of fine parian china from Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, Prince Tech, the Duke of Abercorn, and the Earls of Arran, Erne and Enniskillen.
Other more recent notable owners of Belleek porcelain include American Presidents George Bush,
Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Gerarld Ford, JF Kennedy, First Ladies Jackie Onassis and Hilary Clinton as well as HRH The Prince of Wales and celebrated sports stars such as golf sensation Tiger Woods.
Bidders wanting to find out more about the Figure of Erin Number One Auction and 2008 Archive Collection contact Belleek on 028 6865 8501 or visit www.belleek.ie
