LONDON.- Bonhams will celebrate 100 years of pottery production at the Cobridge works in Stoke-on-Trent with ‘Moorcroft at Cobridge: The Centenary Auction’, on 17th April 2013 at Bonhams, Knightsbridge.

The sale will be a tribute to the innovative and varied designs first created a century ago, and will include over 100 pieces of Moorcroft pottery from the early period of production onwards.

William Moorcroft was one of the most well-renowned potters in the country with an outstanding reputation for creating striking pieces, which are still popular today. After winning medals and commendations Queen Mary, who was an avid collector of his works, granted him a royal warrant in 1928, further enhancing the desirability of his boldly coloured, art-nouveau designs.

At the heart of the auction will be an exceptional private collection of Moorcroft wares sourced by Bonhams’ representative in South Africa. This extraordinary assortment of iconic pieces was built up over 40 years by a dedicated collector who requested that the items were sold via Bonhams in London.

Highlights will also include key works from other vendors that present a stunning record of achievement for Moorcroft at the Cobridge works. A number of rare patterns and shapes will be included in the auction, including a Flambe Waratah vase at £8,000-£12,000 , an early Florain Poppy vase at £1,500-2,000, a Claremont Silver overlay tea-set at £5,000-7,000, a Hazledene vase at £3,000-3,500 and a Moonlit Blue vase at £2,500-3,000.

The sale will also feature a large collection of miniature Moorcroft wares in a variety of patterns and designs, such as salad servers, preserve pots, table wares, buttons and centrepieces. These pieces are typical of the factory at Cobridge, which continues its long and successful legacy.

Speaking about the centenary auction, Mark Oliver, Head of Decorative Arts at Bonhams commented: “It is an absolute delight to handle this auction of selected Moorcroft highlights from the past 100 years of production at Cobridge. We are expecting interest from eager collectors across the globe who will be keen to get their hands on special items from the discontinued ranges showcased in the Bonhams sale.

“Auction estimates start at just £200, so there is something for every level of collector in the sale. I look forward to welcoming Moorcroft devotees to our Knightsbridge saleroom when the auction goes on view from April 14th.”