Loretta from the Royal Doulton Pretty Ladies Collection, design registered as HN2337.
The Pretty Ladies Collection is one of the most popular and long lived selections of Royal Doulton Figurines. Made of fine high glaze bone china, with highly detailed hand painting, Loretta presents herself in a timeless full length purple gown with yellow stole. Just ask yourself where to place her. Is the a Victorian Lady off to a ball? Or an Edwardian Lady out to see the Opera? Or maybe even a more Modern Lady dressed for her Graduation Ball? So much fun to try and place her!
The Loretta Figurine, designed by Margaret "Peggy" Davies, was only produced from 1966 until 1981. This is an early version dating from no later than 1971. That's when it was given to me - as a 21st birthday present. So I can be very accurate here.
Have to tell you a little of the Peggy Davies story: she was a remarkable woman. Born in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, a stone's throw from the Doulton Pottery, she suffered from tuberculosis as a child, and therefore missed a lot of formal schooling. However, her artistic talent was recognised and after training she worked with such famous potters as Clarice Clift and the Noke family. Post World War II, she worked as a freelance designer in a workshop in her own home under contract to Royal Doulton, producing a huge range of figurines. order She died in 1999. Now that is one liberated lady long before her time!
In excellent condition, it was kept in a display case until 1980 and then put into storage.
Weight: 341g
Height: 21cm
Width: 9cm at Base
Width: 13cm at Maximum
Depth 12cm
Product code: Vintage Loretta HN2337 Royal order Doulton Figurine