Beswick

Beswick was an English company that manufactured antiques and collectables. The company was established in late 19th century at Staffordshire, England and made utilitarian home wares. Later, it gained popularity for its lifelike porcelain creations of all animals: wild, domestic and farmyard. The company was acquired by Royal Doulton in the late 60s. and the production of Beswick collectables ceased in 1990s.

All the Beswick pieces were made from porcelain. These were hand-painted earthenware (unlike china ware that is fired at a higher temperature, making the finished product translucent.) The range of showpieces manufactured by Beswick was not restricted to animals; the company was also renowned for making sets of ubiquitous birds such as ducks, seagulls, kingfishers, cock, and swallows. Some of the Beswick models are sold as collectorís items. Take for example, the 1374 galloping horse model that has 3 hooves attached to the base; designed by Mr. Orwell and produced from 1961 ñ 1973, it is high on the list of collectibles today.

Variety of cats in different positions, types and colours were also manufactured by the company. The range of cats included cat scratching its ears, cat on hind legs, pair of kittens, climbing cat, etc. These cats, created by Miss Granoska and Albert Hallam, have a gloss finish and were produced from 1953 ñ 1997. Pups and dogs created by the company are still sought after as prized antiques.