An extensive collection of antiques, curios and collectables amassed over a lifetime by renowned Hull-born toy designer Patrick Rylands has fetched tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
Over five decades, Patrick, 81, the creative mind behind some of the UK’s most popular toys, from PlayPlax to ‘Rocky Jocky’, has amassed an eclectic mix of things that caught his eye, from antique pottery and rare tin toys to early Mickeys. Mouse memorabilia, 1930s American radios and what is believed to be the best collection of Victorian marble ever discovered in the UK.
The collection was so extensive that it had to be divided into sections for sale. Lot 1, Curios and Connoisseur Ceramics, went on display at Hansons Auctioneers’ Derbyshire store on May 29 and exceeded all expectations with a hammer total of over £57,000 and 89 per cent of the 327 lots sold.
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The highlight of the auction was a stunning array of antique 18th century pottery. Rare teapots were in high demand, including lot 197, a vibrant c. 1770 Staffordshire Wedgwood cream pot with ‘Chintz’ pattern by David Rhodes which sold for £3,000, doubling its estimate of £1,200-1,500. Similarly, lot 211, a c.1750 blue-brown wash agate teapot, made £2,000 (guide £450-550), while lot 201, a c.1780 cream teapot modeled as ‘Admiral Rodney’ with cream ground and with a pale green sheen, it fetched £1,800 (guide £650-750).
Other top sellers included a Staffordshire Whieldon cow cream, lot 213, which made £1,350, beating its £800-1,000 guide price. Lot 206, a 1770s ‘Cauliflower’ cream pot, made £1,250, well above its estimate of £400-500. Meanwhile, plot 293, ac. An 1810 turned jug cream engine struck for £1,200 – six times its £180-200 mark.
The auction also featured a variety of options, such as lot 194, a c.1900 German Mikado Polyphon, a standing coin-operated jukebox, standing 7ft high, which made £5,400.
Buyers were also attracted by Lot 50, a Must de Cartier ladies watch with a silver case, which rose to £1,050 from a guide of £300 to £500.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, expressed his delight at the results, saying: “It was an exceptional sale of stunning items. Patrick’s family and friends watched the drama unfold live online, with some joining us in the saleroom. They were delighted with the results .
“It was a day of celebration for both our client and buyers around the world. Hansons thrives on curated sales and niche markets and I am proud of what we have achieved. We look forward to part 2 of the Patrick Rylands collection later this summer.” “
Important items yet to come include one of the finest collections of Cabaret Mechanical Theater machines ever seen. Patrick acquired 50 of them, mostly from the renowned British artist Paul Spooner.
One star is a Napoleonic nine-seater ‘Spinning Jenny’ bone automaton, made by a French POW between 1800-1810, which could fetch up to £15,000.
Steve Fulford, toy valuer at Hansons, commented: “Mr Rylands acquired literally thousands of items, from drawers full of small pieces to a 7ft Polyphon. Such is the breadth and rarity of the items, the collection could eventually fetch over £100,000.”
Patrick, who rejects the label of a “passionate” collector, said he had an “interest” and if there was a skill, it was the ability to track down a particular item and then learn more about it through research and dealer relationships. . He insists he has no favorites and buys things simply because he likes them.
Family members remember visiting him and being transported to a sort of Aladdin’s cave, a treasure trove from which he brought them item after item to their delight and his own.
Born in Hull but later moving to London, Patrick said: “I started collecting when I was in my 20s, probably a bit earlier. One of the very first items I bought was a double-sided pewter figure on a rectangular base . with one foot in front of the other, like he’s about to throw the ball. That’s in the auction.”
He added: “I guess I started collecting toys because I made them for a living, but my collection covers a lot of areas. I don’t have any favourites. I liked all the things I collected – that’s why I bought them! My way of getting them was initially based solely on where to find them.”
The designer’s passion for collecting began with regular trips to London’s Portobello Road near his home and early morning visits to the Brick Lane markets. He established relationships with specific merchants, including an American marble merchant who visited his home and carried bullets in a pistol case for protection.
Patrick added: “The phase of my life where I was a designer and collector is now over and I have moved on to the next phase of focusing on care and comfort. Still, I kept a few things, so maybe I have some favorites after all.”
Steve commented: “Such is Patrick’s pedigree as a designer, his toys are on permanent display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood and, at 27, he became the youngest designer to win the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Elegant Design.
“He has a deep appreciation and understanding of how things are made. To tap into his talent, in 1966, at the age of just 23, he invented the PlayPlax, a colorful interlocking construction toy. It sold over a million copies worldwide. at the time , while studying at London’s Royal College of Art While working at Hornsea Pottery during the summer holidays, he showed a prototype design to his boss, who knew a company that could make it.
After graduating in ceramics from the Royal College of Art in London in 1966, Patrick worked as a freelance designer for iconic toy companies including Creative.
Playthings, Naef and Ambi Toys were the platforms where he worked as an exclusive in-house designer for over 25 years. He has created more than 130 popular toys for babies and toddlers, known for their simplicity of design combined with movement, sound and primary colors. In 1999 he was awarded the title of Royal Designer for Industry.
Steve commented: “Have you ever seen a duck with three miniature ducks that slide inside? Or Alex Horne from Task Manager with a Tommy Toot squeaky toy? Patrick deserved it. His designs have brought joy to millions. His collection brings joy too. It can be hard to give up, but age comes to us all, I hope he enjoys seeing that his lifelong treasures have delighted collectors around the world.”
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