Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge Beaker | "Autumn"

- Capacity: 300 ml
- Height: 9 cm

- Excellent - This 1983 Autumn Beaker has been thoroughly inspected and is in excellent vintage condition, appearing to have been a cabinet piece rather than a daily-use item.

Glaze & Surface: The glaze remains exceptionally glossy and smooth, with no signs of "crazing" (fine surface cracking) or dullness. There are no utensil marks or scratches to the interior or exterior.

Transfers: The Jill Barklem illustrations are crisp and vibrant. The delicate baby pink ribbon and the deep blackberry pigments show no fading, "rubbing," or loss of detail.

Structural Integrity: The beaker is free from chips, cracks, or fleabites. Special attention has been paid to the scalloped foot and the scrolled handle, which are both fully intact with no nicks or repairs.

Base & Backstamp: The underside is clean, with the Royal Doulton backstamp clear and perfectly legible. There is no evidence of "shelf wear" or discolouration on the unglazed portion of the foot.

Note for the Collector: This piece is a "First Quality" item. The Royal Doulton lion-and-crown crest is fully intact and has not been scored or marked, indicating it passed the factory’s highest standards upon its original 1983 release.

1. Design & Features
- This footed beaker is a study in the detailed observation of the English hedgerow.
- The Autumn pattern is anchored by a soft baby pink ribbon border, a pastel counterpoint to the deep purples and ochres of the harvest scenes.
- Primary Vignette: Primrose Woodmouse among wild blackberries and rosehips.
- Secondary Vignette: A quiet moment of a mouse resting under a patchwork quilt.
- Hidden Detail: A steaming blackberry pie illustrated on the interior rim, visible only to the person using the beaker.

2. Craftsmanship
- Produced in the historic Potteries of Burslem, England, this piece is crafted from fine bone china.
- The beaker features a delicately scalloped foot and an ornate, scrolled handle.
- The transfer application is exceptionally crisp, capturing the fine cross-hatching of Jill Barklem’s original pen-and-ink illustrations.

3. About the Series
- Introduced by Royal Doulton in 1983, the Brambly Hedge Gift Collection was a landmark collaboration between the heritage manufacturer and illustrator Jill Barklem.
- Each season was assigned a distinct colour palette and narrative arc, with the "Autumn" series focusing on the community's preparation for the colder months through foraging and preserving.

4. Uses & Versatility
- While technically a collector’s piece, this beaker is designed for the daily use.
- Its architectural silhouette and storied illustrations make it a focal point for a kitchen shelf or vignette.
- It functions equally well as a vessel for small autumnal floral arrangements or as a gift for those who value heritage British ceramics.

5. Care Instructions
To preserve the integrity of the fine bone china and the vibrancy of the 1980s transfers, this piece should be handled with care.
- Washing: Hand wash only in warm, soapy water using a soft cloth.
- Avoid: Do not use abrasive scourers or place in a dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can dull the glaze and detail over time.
- Microwave: Not recommended for use in the microwave.