Leslie Harradine, a name synonymous with elegance and artistry, crafted some of the most iconic and desirable figurines for Royal Doulton from 1902 to 1957. His expert modeling and creativity brought to life pieces that continue to captivate collectors worldwide.
Explore our collection of Leslie Harradine figurines and discover the magic behind these masterpieces.
Leslie Harradine’s artistic journey began in Lambeth, London, where he was born in 1887. An apprenticeship at the Royal Doulton Studio under the mentorship of George Tinworth and later at the Camberwell School of Arts set the stage for his illustrious career. Though he initially worked on vase designs, his passion lay in sculpting free-standing figures.
Leslie Harradine’s creative process was meticulous, but the production of his figurines was expertly handled by Royal Doulton. Here’s a glimpse into the steps involved:
1. Sculpting the Model: Harradine meticulously sculpted each figurine, capturing intricate details in his designs. These models were then sent to Royal Doulton for approval.
2. Pouring the Liquid Clay:Royal Doulton began the production process by pouring liquid clay into carefully crafted molds to form the cast models.
3. Molding Components:Each part of the figurine, including intricate details like the face and head, was molded separately.
4. Assembling the Figure:After the parts were molded, they were assembled together. Any additional details, such as hand-modeled flowers, were added at this stage.
5. Drying and Firing: The assembled figure was allowed to dry and then fired, turning it into biscuit china. This stage saw the figure reducing in size dramatically.
6. Glazing: The figure was then hand-dipped into a specially prepared glaze to achieve its characteristic finish.
7. Final Firing: The glazed figure was placed in a fire-proof saggar and fired again to ensure durability.
8. Hand Decoration: The final step involved hand-decoration, where the figure was painted with precision to bring it to life.
Harradine’s portfolio included a range of iconic figurines. Each piece reflected his unique artistic vision and commitment to detail.
Leslie Harradine’s dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of artistic freedom have left an indelible mark on the world of ceramics. His figurines, celebrated for their elegance and intricate detail, continue to inspire and captivate collectors worldwide.
As we celebrate Harradine’s legacy, we invite you to explore our collection of his masterpieces and experience the magic of his creative process firsthand.
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