A huge collection of antiques, curiosities and collectibles, amassed over a lifetime by famed Hull-born toy designer Patrick Rylands, has sold for tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
Over five decades, Patrick, 81, the creative mind behind some of Britain’s best-loved toys, from PlayPlax to the ‘Rocky Jocky’, collected an eclectic mix of items that caught his eye, from antique ceramics and rare tin toys to early Mickey Mouse memorabilia, 1930s American radios and probably the finest collection of Victorian marble ever discovered in Britain.
The collection was so extensive that it had to be divided into sections for sale. Part 1, Curios and Connoisseur Ceramics, went under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ auction room in Derbyshire on May 29 and exceeded all expectations with a hammer total of more than £57,000 and 89 percent of the 327 lots sold.
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The highlight of the auction was a stunning array of antique ceramics from the 18th century. Rare teapots were in high demand, including lot 197, a vibrant c. Staffordshire Wedgwood creamware teapot from 1770 with ‘Chintz’ pattern by David Rhodes, which sold for £3,000, double its estimate of £1,200 – £1,500. Similarly, lot 211, an agate teapot with a blue/brown wash from about 1750, realized £2,000 (guide £450-£550), while lot 201, a c. Creamware teapot from 1780, modeled as ‘Admiral Rodney’, with a cream ground and light green accents, reached £1,800 (guide £650-£750).
Other top sellers included a Staffordshire Whieldon creamware cow milk jug, lot 213, which realized £1,350, exceeding its guide price of £800 – £1,000. Lot 206, a c. Creamware ‘Cauliflower’ teapot from 1770, made £1,250, well above guide price of £400-£500. Meanwhile, lot 293, a c. 1810 creamware engine turned jug, hammered at £1,200 – six times the £180-£200 guideline.
Furthermore, there were various options at the auction, such as lot 194, a c. German Mikado Polyphon from 1900, a 2m high coin-operated floor-standing music box, which sold for £5,400.
Buyers were also attracted by lot 50, a silver-cased Must de Cartier tank watch, which fetched £1,050 on a £300-£500 guide.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, expressed his delight at the results, saying: “It was an exceptional sale of dazzling objects. Patrick’s family and friends watched the drama unfold live online, and some joined us in the sales room. They were delighted with the results.
“It was a day of celebration for both our customer and buyers around the world. Hansons thrives on curated sales and niche markets and I am proud of what we are achieving. We look forward to Part 2 of the Patrick Rylands Collection later this summer.”
One of the major items yet to come is one of the best collections of Cabaret Mechanical Theater vending machines ever seen. Patrick acquired 50, mainly from the famous British artist Paul Spooner.
One star lot is a nine-character Napoleonic ‘Spinning Jenny’ bone machine made by a French POW in c. 1800-1810, which could fetch up to £15,000.
Steve Fulford, a toy appraiser at Hansons, commented: “Mr Rylands has acquired literally thousands of items, from drawers full of small pieces to the 2.2 meter long Polyphon. The objects are so vast and scarce; the collection could ultimately be more reach over £100,000.”
Patrick, who rejects the label of a ‘passionate’ collector, stated that he had an ‘interest’ and if there was any skill involved it was having an eye for a specific item and then learning more about it through research and relationships with dealers . He insists he has no favorites and bought things simply because he liked them.
Family members remember visiting him and being transported to a kind of Aladdin’s cave, a treasure trove from which he brought item after item to show them, much to their delight and his own.
Born in Hull but later moving to London, Patrick said: “I started collecting when I was twenty years old, probably a little before that. One of the very first items I bought was a two-sided pewter figure on a rectangular base. With the one foot in front of the other, as if you were about to bowl a ball.”
He added: “I suppose I started collecting toys because it was what I made a living from, but my collection covers many areas. I don’t have any favourites. I liked all the things I collected – that’s why I bought them! My way of purchasing them was initially based solely on where they could be found.”
The designer’s passion for collecting began with regular trips to London’s Portobello Road, near his hometown, and early morning visits to Brick Lane markets. He formed relationships with specific dealers, including an American marble dealer who visited his home with marbles in a gun 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 where the emphasis should be on care and comfort. Still, I have kept a handful of items, so perhaps I have finally some favorites.”
Steve commented: “That’s Patrick’s origins as a designer. His toys are on permanent display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood and at the age of 27 he became the youngest designer to win the Duke of Edinburgh’s Prize for Elegant Design.
“He has a deep appreciation and understanding of how things are made. To provide insight into his talent, in 1966, at just 23 years old, he invented PlayPlax, a colorful, interlocking construction toy. There are more than one sold a million copies. While working at London’s Royal College of Art during his summer holidays, he showed a prototype design to his boss, who knew a company that could make it. The rest, as they say, is history.
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 served as the exclusive in-house designer for over 25 years. He created more than 130 popular toys for toddlers and babies, known for their simplicity of design combined with movement, sound and primary colors. In 1999 he was honored with the title Royal Designer for Industry.
Steve commented: “Have you ever seen a duck with three miniature ducks fitting inside? Or Alex Horne from Taskmaster with a Tommy Toot whistle? That was thanks to Patrick. His designs have brought joy to millions of people. His collection brings joy too It may be difficult to let go, but age comes for all of us. I hope he enjoys watching his life of treasures delight collectors around the world.”
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