Hull-born toy designer’s incredible collectible ‘Aladdin’s cave’ stuns at auction

A huge collection of antiques, curios and collectables amassed over a lifetime by renowned Hull-born toy designer Patrick Rylands has fetched tens of thousands of pounds at auction.

Over five decades, Patrick, 81, the creative mind behind some of the UK’s best-loved toys, from PlayPlax to ‘Rocky Jocky’, has collected an eclectic mix of objects that caught his eye, from antique ceramics to rare tin toys to early Mickey Mouse memorabilia, 1930s American radios and what is believed to be the finest collection of Victorian marble ever found in the UK.




The collection was so extensive that it had to be divided into sections for sale. Lot 1, Curios and Connoisseur Ceramics, sold at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire on May 29, surpassing all expectations with a total of more than £57,000 and 89 per cent of the 327 lots sold.

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The highlight of the auction was a stunning array of antique pottery dating back to the 18th century. Rare teapots were highly sought after, including lot 197, a lively c. 1770 Staffordshire Wedgwood ‘Chintz’ cream teapot by David Rhodes which sold for £3,000, doubling its estimate of £1,200-£1,500. Likewise, lot 211, a c.1750 blue/brown wash agate teapot, brought £2000 (est £450-£550), while lot 201, c. A 1780 cream teapot modeled as ‘Admiral Rodney’, with a cream base and pale green highlights, made £1,800 (est £650-£750).

Other top sellers included a cream Staffordshire Whieldon cow, lot 213, which reached £1,350, beating its estimate of £800-£1,000. Lot 206, a c. A century Cauliflower teapot from 1770 fetched £1,250, well above its £400-£500 estimate. Meanwhile, lot 293, a c. 1810 cream engine turned jug struck at £1200 – six times the £180-£200 estimate.

The auction also included various options such as lot 194, c. 1900 German Mikado Polyphon, a 7ft high coin-operated floor-standing music box which made £5,400.

Buyers were also drawn to lot 50, a Must de Cartier ladies’ tank watch with a silver case, which reached £1,050 from a guide of £300-£500.

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