ENAMEL BOXES
The 18th century art of enamel box making was revived in 1970 by a joint venture between Susan Benjamin of Halcyon Days and the Marshall Family of what was to become Bilston & Battersea Enamels. Following their successful launch of the revival enamels, a number of other companies came onto the scene in the next decade.
The first of these to follow Bilston & Battersea (makerd of Halcyon Days enamels) was a company formed by Mr. John Aris called Crummles & Co. Formed in the mid 1970's, John Aris decided to concentrate his design work based on the classic children's literature he grew up with.
Over the years, they produced a wide range of Beatrix Potter characters, including a series of specially commissioned boxes by Cameron & Smith Ltd., that totalled over 70 pieces. Unfortunately, in late 1995 Crummles & Co entered receivership and all the licensing rights to Beatrix Potter were lost. Some of the limited editions commissioned by Cameron & Smith were in the process of being completed when this occurred and some of the editions have never been completed. Among the 27 pieces now being auctioned in the Doris Frohnsdorff Collection, are some quite unusual and collectible pieces.
This information was compiled by Bob Smith, president of Cameron & Smith, president of Cameron & Smith Ltd. specialists in the modern revival of English Enamel boxes. Mr. Smith has exhibited boxes from his collection in London and the United States, and is considered a leading authority on the modern revival.
[ENAMEL BOX]. Pigling Bland at Signpost, by Crummles & Co. 1970s. Approximately 1 5/8 in. diameter round box with red base; in original box. The first Potter box to be issued by the Crummles firm; this design was the favorite design of John Aris, the company's founder.
Details
[ENAMEL BOX]. Pigling Bland at Signpost, by Crummles & Co. 1970s. Approximately 1 5/8 in. diameter round box with red base; in original box. The first Potter box to be issued by the Crummles firm; this design was the favorite design of John Aris, the company's founder.