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.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, expressed his delight at the results, saying: “This was an outstanding sale of stunning items. Patrick’s family and friends watched the drama live online, with some joining us in the trading room. They were delighted with the results.
“It was a day of celebration for both our client and buyers around the world. Hansons thrives on select sales and niche markets and I am proud of what it has achieved. We look forward to Part 2 of the Patrick Rylands Collection later this summer. “
Among the highlights yet to come is one of the finest collections of Cabaret Mechanical Theater automatons ever seen. Patrick acquired 50, mostly from the famous British artist Paul Spooner.
The one-star lot is a Napoleonic nine-sign ‘Spinning Jenny’ bone automaton made by a French prisoner of war circa 1800-1810, which could fetch up to £15,000.
Steve Fulford, toy valuer at Hansons, commented: “Mr Rylands acquired literally thousands of items, from drawers full of small pieces to the 7ft Polyphon. Such is the vastness and rarity of the objects, the collection could eventually achieve more than £100,000.”
Patrick, who rejects the label of a “passionate” collector, said he had an “interest” and if there was any skill, it was having an eye for a particular item and then learning more about it through research and dealing with dealers. He insists that he has no favorites and buys things simply because he likes them.
Family members recall visiting him and being transported into a sort of Aladdin’s cave, a treasure trove from which he would bring object after object to show them, to their delight and his.
Born in Hull but later moved to London, Patrick said: “I started collecting when I was 20, probably a little before that. One of the first items I bought was a two-sided tin figure on a rectangular base with one foot in front of the other as if about to throw a ball. This is in the auction.
He added: “I guess I started collecting toys because I made them for a living, but my collection covers a lot of areas. I have no favorites. I loved all the things I collected – that’s why I bought them! My method of procuring them was originally based solely on where to find them.”
The designer’s passion for collecting began with regular trips to London’s Portobello Road, near his residence, and early morning visits to the Brick Lane markets. He established relationships with certain dealers, including an American marble dealer who visited his home carrying marbles in a gun case for protection.
Patrick added: “The phase of my life where I was a designer and collector has come to an end and I have moved on to the next phase where the focus should be on care and comfort. I kept a handful of items though, so maybe I still have some favorites.”
Steve commented: “Such is Patrick’s pedigree as a designer, his toys are on permanent display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood and, at 27, he became the youngest designer to win the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Elegant Design.
“He has a deep appreciation and understanding of how things are done. To offer insight into his talent, in 1966, aged just 23, he invented the PlayPlax, a colorful interlocking construction toy. It has sold over a million copies worldwide. While studying at London’s Royal College of Art, while working at Hornsea Pottery during his summer holidays, he showed a prototype to his boss, who knew a company that could make it. The rest, as they say, is history.
After graduating in ceramics from the Royal College of Art in London in 1966, Patrick worked as a freelance designer for iconic toy companies including Creative.
Playthings, Naef and Ambi Toys were the platforms where he worked as an exclusive in-house designer for over 25 years. He made more than 130 popular toys for toddlers and babies, known for their simplicity of design, fused with movement, sound and primary colors. In 1999 he was awarded the title of Royal Designer for Industry.
Steve commented, “Have you ever seen a duck with three miniature ducklings sticking inside? Or Taskmaster’s Alex Horne with a toy Tommy Toot whistle? They were reduced to Patrick. His designs have brought joy to millions. His collection also brings joy. It’s hard to let go, but age comes to us all. I hope he enjoys how his life of treasures delights collectors around the world.”
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