Hornsea Pottery Fauna & Fauna Royal – A Collector’s Guide
The Fauna and Fauna Royal series remain two of the most iconic and commercially successful mid‑century ceramic lines produced by Hornsea Pottery of Yorkshire, England. Loved for their woodland charm, stylised animals, and functional kitsch appeal, these pieces have become essential collectibles for fans of British retro ceramics.
Origins and History
Hornsea Pottery was founded in 1949 by brothers Colin and Desmond Rawson. Colin’s early sculptural work laid the foundation for the woodland aesthetic that would later define the Fauna and Fauna Royal ranges.
The Fauna Royal series (often spelled “Fauna Royale”) launched around 1960, though its roots trace back to late‑1950s animal designs. It quickly became Hornsea’s financial backbone, running successfully for seven years until production ceased in 1967.
Representative pieces from both ranges are preserved today at the Hornsea Museum, showcasing the company’s mid‑century design legacy.
Design Style and Characteristics
Both Fauna and Fauna Royal share a distinctive woodland theme. Pieces are moulded and hand‑painted to resemble:
- Gnarled tree trunks
- Hollow logs and stumps
- Textured bark with green leaves
- Pink or multi‑toned flowers
Each vessel is paired with a sculpted woodland creature, typically positioned against the log or tree form. Common animals include:
- Rabbits
- Fawns and deer
- Squirrels
- Foals and ponies
- Unicorns (rare)
While decorative, most pieces were designed as functional household items such as:
- Posy vases
- Bud vases
- Posy troughs
- Jugs
- Small planters
- Trinket or stationery holders
Numbering, Shapes, and Named Models
Hornsea assigned shape numbers to most Fauna and Fauna Royal pieces. These numbers identify the mould rather than the decoration, making them essential for collectors.
Examples include:
- No. 13 – Rabbit forms
- No. 67 – Large squirrel jug
- No. 66 “Caressa” – Large doe/deer model with named backstamp
- No. 121 – Large deer log vase
- No. 590 – Pony/foal trinket dish
Some pieces also carry individual names such as Caressa or Amori, adding extra desirability for collectors who track named sub‑series.
Backstamps and Identification
Authentic Hornsea Fauna and Fauna Royal pieces typically feature one of the following base marks:
- HORNSEA POTTERY – REG’D MADE IN ENGLAND
- FAUNA ROYAL – HORNSEA POTTERY – REG’D ENGLAND
These are often accompanied by an incised shape number (e.g., 10, 53, 121, 232). Correct identification of the backstamp is crucial, as similar woodland pieces were also produced by Beswick/Monksea, which use different marks.
Collecting Today
Fauna and Fauna Royal pieces are now recognised as quintessential examples of 1960s British kitsch. Their nostalgic woodland styling and charming animal figures make them highly sought after.
Collectors typically look for:
- Minimal crazing
- Intact floral appliques
- Undamaged leaf tips
- Clean interiors
Condition plays a major role in value, especially for larger or rarer models.
The Most Valuable Fauna & Fauna Royal Numbers
1. Large Statement Pieces
Large jugs and tall vases command premium prices due to lower production numbers and higher breakage rates.
- No. 67 – Large squirrel jug/vase
- No. 84 – Large rabbit jug/spill vase
- No. 66 “Caressa” – Named doe model
2. Multi‑Animal and Double Forms
Pieces featuring multiple animals or dual openings are especially desirable.
- No. 14 – Twin bud vase with squirrel
- No. 52 & No. 73 – Double tree‑trunk forms with fawns
- No. 121 – Large deer log vase
- No. 590 – Pony/foal trinket dish
3. Early Unnumbered / Prototype Pieces
The rarest and most valuable Fauna items are the early unnumbered prototypes from the late 1940s and early 1950s. These test pieces pre‑date the formal Fauna Royal line and often feature experimental glazes or animal forms. They routinely achieve the highest auction prices.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering Hornsea’s woodland ceramics, the Fauna and Fauna Royal series offer a rich blend of mid‑century charm, sculptural artistry, and nostalgic appeal. With hundreds of shapes, animals, and variations, the range provides endless opportunities for discovery — and every base stamp tells a story.
If you have a piece with a number stamped on the base, identifying it can reveal its rarity, value, and place within Hornsea’s woodland legacy.
