Ceramics
PenDelfin Today: A Buyers’ Guide by Roland Head
The supernatural, children’s storybook characters and
well modelled animals are all proven successful ingre-
dients in the creation of collectable ceramics. Think
about Daisy Makeig-Jones’ Fairyland designs, Beswick
Example of PenDelfin
animals and Beatrix Potter figurines, to name just a few.
founder Jean Walmsley
When PenDelfin founder Jean Walmsley Heap (JWH)
Heap’s signature.
began work on the first designs, one of the influences
she undoubtedly felt was the history of the Pendle Hill.
This Lancashire landmark is well-known as the location
for the eighteenth century Pendle Witch trials and was
close to Heap’s Burnley home in 1953, the year in
which PenDelfin was founded. In the years that
PenDelfin triangular label. followed, PenDelfin’s handpainted stoneware rabbits
(found on older pieces) rapidly gained a global following and PenDelfin’s
factory tours became a significant tourist attraction in
Burnley. Sadly, PenDelfin failed to survive the rising
tide of offshoring and consolidation in the ceramics
industry. The company was sold in 2004 and production
was moved to China in 2006. Today’s secondary market
for PenDelfin is changing and its future uncertain,
making buying well essential. In this article I’ll explain
PenDelfin Gilt Butterfly how the factory’s output can be divided up and
label. (c1956-60) highlight areas to both focus on and to avoid.
Early Days - Before Rabbits
Although best known for their stoneware rabbits,
PenDelfin’s first models were not rabbits at all but
pieces inspired by local folklore. Rare and collectable
examples include the original Pendle Witch, the first
PenDelfin rectangular piece, and a range of other witch, fairy and pixie-based
gold foil label. (c1958-70) designs. Many of these were in the form of wall
plaques, such as the Miniature A Series of plaques
featuring Phynnodderee. (the Manx Pixie) Also
extremely collectable is the Fairy Shop Plaque, a large,
framed 3D picture modelled in relief. This was one of
the very first pieces to be modelled by JWH and last
year I saw the original version, signed and authenti-
cated by JWH, sell for £1,900 hammer price at a
PenDelfin artist palette specialist auction. although the exceptional provenance
mark. (used 1960s onwards) of this piece means that production examples are likely
to fetch somewhat less. All of these early pieces were
produced in relatively small quantities and were discon-
tinued by the end of the 1950s as a result of the
unexpected and runaway success of the first PenDelfin
rabbits, which were introduced in 1955.
1955: The Rabbits Are Born
Although their work was well-received, the PenDelfin
founders were in urgent need of a commercial success.
PenDelfin old rectangular
This was to be provided by the introduction of a limited
label - very unusual.
range of rabbit models. With hindsight, the concept of
skilfully-modelled rabbits in human clothes and situa-
tions was guaranteed success. The fine detail, humour
and intelligence that were evident in these models gave
them a broad appeal that spread, turning PenDelfin into
Typical inscribed markings
a commercial success as well as an artistic one.
found on Metallion range.
The first rabbits in 1955/6, were Dungaree Father,
Mother (Thin-Neck), Robert, Midge and Margot. It was
found that the thin neck and large head of the Mother
rabbit made her prone to toppling, resulting in the
model being withdrawn the same year, to be replaced
by a more stable, thicker-necked version. This means
that original condition thin-neck Mothers are quite
collectable, worth much more than later versions.
Original Dungaree Fathers are extremely scarce and
can command prices well into the hundred of pounds.
PenDelfin Pixie Bod Stamp They are worth considerably more than the later Kipper
- found only on Pixie Bods. Tie Father.
ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 08
1960 - Present: Rabbits Multiply
During the 1960s, the rabbit range expanded, including
dozens of different models. One of the few non-rabbit
models was the mouse family (Father, Mother and
Lollipop). However, even these were adapted to blend
in with the rabbits, originally produced with grey fur.
Later versions were all made with brown. There is little
difference in price between the two colours. All Pen-
Delfin models are handpainted, and most have been
made in multiple colourways. Many, especially the
smaller, cheaper designs that were introduced in the
1960/70s, have proven popular and long running. The
side effect of this is that such pieces now have little
value. Models such as Twins, Barney and Rolly have
been made for so long that their secondary market value
today is almost nil. Disregard inflated book prices.
Condition & Refurbishment
Condition is important but so is realism. Early Pen-
Delfin are over 50 years old and will show their age. A
darkening in colouration and some slight paint wear is
common. The stoneware figures also chip very easily.
Restoration is a consideration, but what is perhaps
unique to PenDelfin is that a piece may have been
officially refurbished. This was a service formerly
offered by the factory and now offered privately by two
former paintresses. Pieces are stripped down, damage is
carefully repaired and then the pieces are repainted.
Such pieces are remarkably popular at present and I am
led to believe the waiting list for this service is consid-
erable. If buying a refurbished piece, ensure it has a
certificate of authenticity, otherwise it may not have
been done by original PenDelfin paintresses.
Refurbished pieces present two problems for anyone
buying for investment. These pieces are now no longer
original. It’s hard to determine the medium-term effect.
Although the concept of ‘old, but like new’ seems
popular, it may well be that original pieces will have
stronger values in years to come, particularly if they are
in excellent condition. That said, at present some pieces
sell for more than their original equivalents. Secondly,
there is the aesthetics. Although correctly coloured, the
modern paints used are more vivid than the originals
and to me there is something incongruous about seeing
an old piece looking brand new. Identifying such refur-
bished pieces is not too difficult once you have
calibrated your eyes with a few original older examples.
The new paints look and feel different, and of course
the rabbits themselves appear implausibly perfect.
Market Conditions
The move of PenDelfin production offshore, the
retirement or death of all the original designers and the
loss of the tangible attractions of the factory tour all
seem to have combined to have a negative effect on the
secondary market for PenDelfin. While rare, good
quality examples continue to fetch reasonably strong
prices, they are not appreciating and in some cases have
depreciated over the last five years.
PenDelfin’s new output doesn’t help. The quality of the
modelling on new pieces is inferior to that seen on older
examples and today’s rabbits seem to lack the charm,
wit and delightful detail of older models. Anyone inter-
ested in building a serious and valuable collection
should research carefully and select rarer, short
production run pieces only. Whether to buy refurbished
pieces is a moot point. Whilst well regarded at present,
I would not like to speculate on their future value.

Balcony Scene display
stand with Casanova
figurine.
PenDelfin Bongo.
(1964-87)
PenDelfin Father Mouse
in grey & brown editions.
PenDelfin Father Plate,
Ltd Edn of 10,000, boxed
with certificate. (1982-84)
PenDelfin Aunt Agatha
(1963-65). Extremely rare
and collectable.
Images courtesy of Perfect Pieces.
PenDelfin Walmsley.
Inaugural annual event
piece. (1994)
PenDelfin Bosun.
PenDelfin Club ‘model of
the year’ in the club’s first
year. (1992-3)
PenDelfin Cakestand.
(1966-72)
PenDelfin Dodger plaque,
from the Gallery series.
(1968-71) Gallery plaques
are collectable, especially
if they have an accompa-
nying stoneware easel.
PenDelfin Father Mouse
in grey. (1961-66)
Ceramics
PenDelfin Chirpy.
(1989-92)
PenDelfin made 3 different
PenDelfin Jim Lad.
block-mounted pictures.
(1986-92)
This is ‘The Dance’.
PenDelfin Fairy Shop
Plaque. (1954-58) Hugely PenDelfin Pooch.
collectable, rarely seen. (1962-87)
PenDelfin Cha Cha (1959-
61). Extremely rare and
very collectable.
PenDelfin Model Stand
With Rabbit. (1960-67)
One of the first display
PenDelfin Christmas stands.
Scene, Ltd Edn of 2,000
for the Canadian market.
(1985-6)
Elf Tree Candleholder
from the PenDelfin
Metallion range. (1980-85) PenDelfin Snuggles. (1958
- recently discontinued)
Collection of PenDelfin PenDelfin Picnic Table.
PenDelfin Dog with Scarf
dog models. (1967-72)
and Beret (1960-62).
Very rare.
PenDelfin Aunt Ruby. (Ltd
PenDelfin Cyril Squirrel Rare PenDelfin Dungaree Edn. of 10,000)
(1963-65). Extremely rare Father (1955-60). One of
and collectable. the original rabbits.
ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 08
 Ceramics
PenDelfin Gussie.
(1960-68)
Desirable PenDelfin
Flying Witch wall figure
from Miniature A Plaque
series. (1955-56)
PenDelfin Mother.
(1956-78)
PenDelfin Juliet Wall
Plaque. (1957-59)
Even better if paired
with Romeo.
ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 08
PenDelfin Lollipop Mouse
PenDelfin Herald, in brown. (1961-66)
members’ club founder
member gift piece.
(1992-3)
PenDelfin Lucy Pocket
with Lilac skirt. (1960-67)
Lilac is an early colour
PenDelfin Totty. (1971-81) and generally adds value
to a piece.
PenDelfin Maud.
(1967-78)
PenDelfin Kipper Tie
Father. (1960-70).
PenDelfin Thin Neck
Mother. (1956 only) Easily
PenDelfin Kipper Tie damaged, check the neck
Father. (1960-70) carefully for restoration.
PenDelfin Margot 1st
version with pleated skirt.
PenDelfin Margot with (1956-57) Unusual and
straight skirt. (1957-67) collectable.
PenDelfin Milk Jug Stand.
(1966-72) PenDelfin Flying Witch
wall plaque, Metallion
range. (1980-85) These
cast pieces were based on
earlier stoneware designs.
PenDelfin Mother and
Kipper Tie Father.
PenDelfin Mary Mary
from Miniature B Plaque
series. (1956-59)
PenDelfin Midge One
Crumb. (1956-65)
PenDelfin Pixie Bod.
(1965-67) These unusual
PenDelfin Megan The creatures were made with
Harp in lilac. (1960-67) pipe cleaners. In their
Lilac is especially original boxes they are
collectable. highly collectable.

PenDelfin Mother Plate -
Ltd Edn of 10,000.
(1982-83)
PenDelfin Mouse House.
(1964-69)
PenDelfin Phynnodderee
(Manx Pixie) from
Miniature A Plaque series
(1955-56). Very collectable.
PenDelfin Robert with
lollipop. (1967-79)
PenDelfin Rocky 1st
version. (1959-78)
Ceramics
PenDelfin Picnic Basket.
(1966-68)
PenDelfin Mother & Baby PenDelfin Victoria. (1986 - PenDelfin Poppet.
and Father. (both 1977 recently discontinued) (1964-2003)
onwards)
schoolhouse.jpg:
PenDelfin Schoolhouse PenDelfin Robert Plaque PenDelfin Poppet Plaque,
PenDelfin Rabbit display stand with rabbits from the Gallery series. from the Gallery series.
Bookends. (1958-65) (1968-71) (1968-71)
Rare and desirable
pieces, especially in
unused condition.
PenDelfin Whopper Plate,
PenDelfin Scout. (1992- PenDelfin Squeezy. limited edition of 7,500.
2003) with Camp Fire. (1960-70) (1982-85)
(1993-99)
PenDelfin Graduate.
(2000-)
PenDelfin Whopper with
PenDelfin Little Bo Peep
silver brim.
from Miniature B Plaque
series. (1956-59).
PenDelfin Robert with
satchel. (1956-67)
PenDelfin Father Mouse
in brown. (1961-66)
PenDelfin Mother with
tassles to shawl.
(1956-60) Rare and
collectable variation of
PenDelfin Shiner. PenDelfin Uncle Soames. PenDelfin Tammy Puppy. the Mother design.
(1960-67). (1959-85) (1957-87)
ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 08