This mid-century model of a Bison is now rather rare and much sought-after. The figurine as modelled by the acclaimed Welsh studio potter, Basil Matthews in the early 1950s. His work was retailed by Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and was often placed in the stores next to works by celebrated contemporary designer - such as Alfred Machin's famous Zodiac Bull of Wedgwood.
Matthews' bison shows the heavy form of the bull and its power around its shoulders. It makes the model more "modern" by adding funky floral pattern to the Bison's rump and colouring his feet and horns in the bright yellow shade. The colours on each Bison model are all hand-painted and never the same. My one has a dark brown textured shoulder section - curved yellow horns and lue and yellow flowers.
The bison has marked with the maker's name on the base, as photographed. Mr Bison is in excellent condition but there seems to be a little issue with one horn - perhaps this area caused trouble being removed from the mould - as it seems to be a very common problem on models. (this is not obvious on display - and like on other of his Bisons - only noticeable on close up inspection). There is a little craquelure on his forehead, as photographed. But there is no other condition issues. I have listed the Bison at a very fair price, given his relative rarity.
The bison measures 20 cm in length and has a height of 12 cm.
The model will be very carefully packed and sent to you with Royal Mail Tracked Service - I would recommend you select the 24hour Tracked Service at the checkout. I will make sure it is also fully insured against loss or damage in transit - as an extra on the postal service.
BIOGRAPHY: Basil Matthews was born in Abergavenny, Wales. His love of animals was encoured by observing ones that were contained in travelling circuses.
He served with the 8th Army (Desert Rates) in Egypt in WWII (where he narrowly avoided being blinded in service). After his military service he attended Bilton College of Art and was soon involved in making these finely modelled animals. He started with horses and from there did a full menagerie of animals. He received an endorsement from Queen Mary for his work.
His work soon gained both national and international acclain. They sold in prestigious stores such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Burlington Arcade and Neiman Marcus, Stateside. He became of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Fellow of the Society of Design Craftsmen - he made not only fine ceramics but also cold-cast bronzes and foundry bronzes.
He never did mass production and concentrated on creating limied pieces - usually of no more than 100 examples. - all of these were decorated by hand and all individual pieces.
Matthews passed away in 1985.