Vintage Coopercraft Old English Sheepdog Porcelain Dog

Here we have a beautifully crafted Coopercraft porcelain Old English Sheepdog.

This lovely dog stands 17cm is 9cm at his widest to the tip of it's nose from it's opposite shoulder is 22cm long and weighs 603g. As with all of Coopercraft models this one is beautifully moulded with defined features and lovely textured body to resemble hair. It is finished with a high gloss glaze with no visible crazing. It is in superb condition.

The coopercraft animals, especially their dogs, are highly sought after collectables. The Old English Sheepdog is probably the most sought after breeds and this model would be of interest to collectors. As well as dog breeders, Old English Sheepdog lovers and enthusiasts and painters. It would also be a great piece for display at vets, pet shops, groomers etc or even Dulux paint distributors.

Coopercraft were a brand from the Summerbank Pottery Earthenware manufacturers at Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, England. In 1946 William Henry Bailey operated as a pottery wholesaler in the High Street, Tunstall. Manufacturing was started in 1952 at nearby Sandyford and then at Paradise Street, Tunstall. William H. Bailey died in 1955 and the business was continued by his wife Irene P. Bailey. In 1958 the business was moved to larger works on Butterfield Place, Tunstall. The directors were Irene P. Cooper (neé Bailey) and Frank E. Cooper. It is recorded that in 1968 the pottery was taken over by Mr. J. M. Sadler (son of the late Mr. John Sadler). The business got into financial difficulties and in September 1971 it was voluntarily wound up and the assets sold. It was able to continue as Summerbank Pottery (1970) Ltd. From 1991 the directors are listed as being from the Savage family. In February 2001 the business was again voluntarily wound up and continued as Summerbank Pottery (2001) Ltd. By 2004 the business was again in financial difficulties and in April 2004 it was voluntarily wound up and remained closed.