Beswick Beatrix Potter – Appley Dapply Figurine – c.1973-1974

Description

An original Beswick figure depicting Appley Dapply, the mouse character from Beatrix Potter’s Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes, produced under licence from Frederick Warne & Co.

The figure shows Appley carrying a plate of small cakes in one hand and a woven yellow basket over the opposite arm. She wears a brown jacket over a cream apron, with a vivid blue bow at her neck and matching blue shoes. The modelling is finished in Beswick’s characteristic softly naturalistic palette, with individually painted detail to the face, clothing, basket and food.

This is the first version of the Appley Dapply model, distinguished by the green bottle projecting visibly above the top of the basket. This version was introduced in 1971 and remained in production until 1975, when the model was altered so that the bottle was contained entirely within the basket.

The model was designed by Albert Hallam. The underside of this example carries the brown printed inscription:

“BEATRIX POTTER’S
‘APPLEY DAPPLY’
F. Warne & Co. Ltd.
Copyright
BESWICK
ENGLAND”

The brown printed backstamp, combined with the first-version modelling, is consistent with production during approximately 1973–1974.

The projecting-bottle version is the more distinctive of the two Appley Dapply models and has particular appeal to collectors seeking the earlier Beswick interpretation of the character.

Condition

Very good condition. No obvious chips, cracks or restoration visible from inspection. There is some light expected rubbing and marking to the underside of the base consistent with age and previous display. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Maker

Beswick, England.

Designer

Albert Hallam.

Date

c.1973–1974. The first version of the model was introduced in 1971 and discontinued in 1975.

Size

Approximately 8 cm tall.

Material

Glazed ceramic.

Construction

Moulded ceramic figure with hand-painted decoration and integral base.

Backstamp

Brown printed Beatrix Potter / F. Warne & Co. Ltd. / Copyright / Beswick England mark.

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