R John Wright – Duncan – Limited Edition – 2005

Maker: R John Wright
Date: 2005
Edition: Edition of 300 pieces, no. 41
Price: £750 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 20″ (51cm approx)
Condition: Fine condition with certificate of authenticity and all-felt bag with RJW applique letters. There are a couple of very small holes on the bag.  Should you require any further images, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Hand-made in Vermont, USA.

Duncan: A Brief Description

This is “Duncan”, a highly collectible teddy bear meticulously handcrafted by R John Wright in 2005. Issued as a limited edition of just 300 pieces worldwide, Duncan represents the exceptional quality and traditional craftsmanship for which Wright’s Vermont-based studio is internationally renowned. Standing at an impressive 21 inches tall, Duncan is a striking interpretation of a young bear, blending realism with a charming, almost storybook personality

Materials and Craftsmanship

Duncan is constructed from custom-woven black alpaca plush, giving him a rich, deep texture and a slightly tousled appearance that evokes the look of a real bear cub. The alpaca fur is luxuriously soft, dense, and expertly trimmed to enhance his lifelike contours, with subtle shading around the muzzle and face to highlight his features. His expressive face is carefully sculpted with inset custom-blown glass eyes that creates depth and realism.

Detailing

His nose is intricately sculpted and painted, not merely stitched, lending an extraordinarily lifelike quality to his facial expression. His paw pads and foot pads are made from ultra-suede in a warm brown tone, with individually sculpted and shaded toes to simulate naturalistic bear paws. The attention to anatomical detail – including the soft curvature of his resin claws and the structure of his limbs – reflects the artist’s dedication to biological accuracy and narrative storytelling. Duncan is fully five-way jointed, allowing him to be posed in a variety of lifelike and expressive stances. Duncan’s design sits beautifully between traditional bear artistry and naturalistic sculpture. While undeniably a teddy bear, his soulful expression and subtle body language convey emotion and individuality. He does not rely on whimsy or overt cuteness; rather, his charm lies in his restrained realism and gentle presence. This nuanced approach makes him equally appealing to both serious collectors and those who appreciate the nostalgic comfort of childhood toys.

Presentation and Significance

Each bear from this edition bears the R John Wright brass identification button on the back of the bear, affirming its authenticity. Each Duncan bear from this limited edition was numbered and came with a signed certificate of authenticity from R John Wright, further enhancing its value as a collector’s piece. Produced entirely in Vermont, every bear underwent a painstaking process of hand-assembly, airbrushing, and inspection – hallmarks of the Wright studio’s commitment to heirloom-quality artistry. Duncan is more than a teddy bear; he is a soft sculpture, merging the realms of fine art and collectible toy design. His luxurious black alpaca coat, soulful glass eyes, and beautifully detailed paws exemplify R John Wright’s celebrated style. As a limited edition from 2005, he holds not only aesthetic appeal but also enduring value within the world of artisan bears and character collectibles.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.

(BR)