THE Flower Sellers of Covent Garden live in their own special antique cabinet in Brian Bown's house.
They, the women and children, hark back to the Great Depression when selling flowers on London streets was a way for women to support their families when many of the men were out of work.
The figurines also happen to represent the best Royal Doulton period and are still holding their value in the collectors' world.
Mr Bown, one of the original planners behind Hurstville Rotary Club's Antiques and Collectables Fair, has been a collector all his life and owns a number of Royal Doulton pieces.
His favourites are the Flower Sellers designed by Leslie Harradine, a potter of note who worked freelance for Royal Doulton's Lambeth studio.
"They are beautiful creations made when people had the time and were prepared to make an effort," Mr Bown said.
"The value of Doulton has gone down considerably, but not these."
Although you never know your luck at an antique fair — rare pieces are known to turn up — Mr Bown does not expect there would be many Harradine pieces around.
But collectors can always bid on the Aussie Bunnykin, which also could become scarce in the future.
While the 200-year-old Royal Doulton name, now US owned, has been an important part of the antique fair, changes are happening.
The Bunnykins figurine with an Australian theme is to be no more.
Mr Bown said the Cooee Bunnykins would be the last off the production line.
The 2015 auction piece, Breakfast Bunnykins, will be auctioned on the Friday night. It is the first in a limited edition of 1000.
COLLECTABLES FAIR
Auction proceeds will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis NSW.
The 20th Antique and Collectables Fair, incorporating the 16th Royal Doulton Collectors Fair Venue, is on again at the Marana Auditorium at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre from Friday to Sunday, February 13-15.
Friday is opening night beginning at 6.30pm with a $15 entry fee; general entry is $8 or $5 concession.
Valuation service by Phillip Thomas of Raffan Kelaher Thomas, Auctioneers & Valuers, 42 John Street, Leichhardt.
■ Do you have special pieces you want valued?
