Potter Bowl Appraisal

Beatrix Potter's Tailor of Gloucester Cereal Bowl

This is a ceramic cereal bowl, likely porcelain or earthenware, featuring a cream-colored glaze. The bowl has a classic, gently curved profile, typical of tableware. Its most distinctive feature is the colorful illustration centered within the basin, depicting what appears to be a mouse figure (possibly 'Timmy Willie' or another character from Beatrix Potter's 'The Tailor of Gloucester') sleeping or resting amongst textiles and sewing notions, rendered in soft watercolor-like tones of muted greens, pinks, browns, and blues. Encircling the rim of the bowl, written in a dark cursive or printed serif font, is text from the story: "And she hung up all sorts and sizes of clothes – small brown coats of mice; and one velvety black mole-skin waist-coat; and a red tail-coat with no tail–". A small, stylized brown mouse illustration is positioned near the commencement of the text. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with consistent glazing and a clear transfer print of both the illustration and text. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear marks in the provided image, suggesting it is in good to excellent condition. The item is part of a series of tableware often produced by companies like Wedgwood, Beswick, or Royal Doulton, featuring classic Beatrix Potter illustrations. These pieces typically date from the mid-20th century onwards, with a strong market for collectors. The design is charming and functional, appealing to children and adults alike, particularly those nostalgic for the classic children's books.