It
began with a 'phone call. As these things often do. "I am an artist
employed by a Fine Pottery Company" said the voice at the other end
of the line, "and they have asked me to find a suitable Rough Collie.
I believe you have a Champion bitch. Could I possibly come and have
a look at her?"
I was thrilled. "Of course", said I, and it was arranged for the following
Saturday [surprisingly, no show to go to that day!]
Mr Campbell duly arrived, and I had "Mia" [see
Bhyllsacre Rough Collie web page] all polished up and looking
her best. I was able to watch him at work, and what an eye-opener!
Every part of "Mia" was measured - even her toes! "Everything must
be absolutely to scale" the artist said, "as this is intended for
the Collectors' market". He produced a glossy brochure advertising
much of his work. There were beautiful delicate models of wild birds,
foxes, badgers etc. and a fascinating range of dogs which included
one of Joe Braddon's "Ide" pointers, and a well-known German Shepherd
Dog. It was exciting to think of "Mia" - up there with the Elite.
Mr Campbell brought with him a dog on a stick!
To clarify that further, this was a clay model, giving the outline
of a composite dog. The base was a small turntable with a rod standing
up from the centre, the rod having a diameter of a fine knitting needle.
The model was attached to this, through the middle, rather like a
carousel horse on a roundabout at the fair. This was to be the beginning.
After all measurements had been taken, and fortified by a meal of
Fish & Chips, we hastened to "Mia"'s favourite field to get some action
shots of her on film. [I never knew you could pace like that, Mia!].
These would be used by Mr Campbell to enable him to study her action
in minute detail. When we arrived back home it was time to call it
a day, and he arranged to visit again, in a few weeks time. His first
visit was very nearly his last, actually, as on his way home a mattress
flew through his windscreen. Yes, a mattress flew through his windscreen
! [Not so funny at the time, however, as it landed him in Hospital
overnight, with a severely cut hand]. It appears he was following
a heavily laden vehicle which decided at that moment to part company
with some of its load. Fortunately, there was not too much traffic
about at the time.
After two more visits, the model started to take shape. One could
now identify the breed of dog more easily, even the coat texture was
there. However, the ball bearings which were inserted into the position
where her eyes would eventually be, gave her a decidedly hard expression
! At this stage I was invited to do a critical examination. After
careful consideration, I decided that her lip-line was too low down,
giving her a "lippy" appearance. This was soon altered to my satisfaction,
along with other minor points. This was the last visit to see "Mia".
The next time Mr Campbell and I were to meet, would be at the Albany
China Factory, in Worcester. The day dawned bright, sunny and warm,
one of the few enjoyable days of the Summer. Or rather, Autumn! I
had visited my hairdressers the previous day, and was dressed in a
rather expensive suit [bought impulsively with my Barclaycard whilst
on a visit to Sweden] and I felt rather excited and carefree as I
drove along the dual carriageway towards Worcester.
I had Mr Campbell's directions with me, and drove straight into the
factory yard. Quite an achievement really as I'm not the world's greatest
at following directions!! I soon found the reception area and showroom
and announced myself to the young lady who was behind the desk. She
informed me that Mr Nicholls, the Director, would be back shortly,
and would I please sign the Visitors' book. I had done this when I
noticed a display on my left, and out of the corner of my eye, caught
a glimpse of my "Mia". There she was, surrounded by Labradors, G.S.D.s,
and all sorts of birds, but very definitely - it was MY "Mia". I walked
[I nearly ran, actually, but felt the occasion demanded some modicum
of dignity!] over for a closer look. Had she been modelled in the
usual show stance, it would have been beautiful but the artist had
captured her on the move as it were, with the near hind and forelegs
flexed, and with her head held proudly, jaws slightly apart, showing
just the tip of her protruding tongue she looked for all the world
as if she was about to walk off that plinth and come towards me. I
was spellbound, almost unable to speak [very unusual!!] "You must
be very proud of her", the receptionist broke my thoughts. "Oh! I
am", I breathed, "Very proud indeed".
Mr Nicholls returned at that moment. We shook hands, and he invited
me into his office for a coffee. This was followed by a lengthy conversation,
during which he told me a little of Albany's history. Although the
company was only 14 years old, it is set in an Olde Worlde atmosphere.
It must have been an old coaching Inn at sometime, with stables around
the square courtyard. It really gave the impression of a centuries
old building. I also learned a bit about the various artists [Mr Campbell
had not yet arrived at this point]. In this office, was what Mr Nicholls
referred to as the "Albany Museum". This consisted of tiers of shelving
around the walls containing one of every single model which the firm
has produced. Many were Limited Editions, whose value ran into thousands
of pounds. But even they were dominated by the most beautiful model
of a peacock, easily life-size, standing on a solid wood column all
of five feet in height. Draped down one side of the plinth was the
bird's handsome tail, each feather delicately traced in bronze, the
"eyes" of beautiful turquoise enamel, the beak of 22 carat gold. I
did NOT ask how much he was worth. I just knew I could not afford
to buy him.!! Apparently, there are only three copies of this model
throughout the world. At the other end of the scale were tiny, dainty
little birds, looking almost ready to dart from their twig perches
at any second. Even Polar Bears were on view, standing proudly atop
pieces of Stourbridge crystal. I half expected to see the fox lurking
somewhere in the background, waiting to take the bear's position upon
the "glacier"!
I spent over an hour looking at all these beautiful creations, and
having their history explained to me. The I was introduced to Dave,
who owned a Collie, but was also into Rottweilers. We talked dogs
at length, after which, Dave took me to a nearby restaurant. Here
we enjoyed a seafood lunch, a bottle of wine, and a good chat. In
fact we were so deep in conversation that we were late getting back
to the factory, where the Press photographer was patiently [!!] waiting
to take pictures of the "official presentation". I was to have a complimentary
model of "Mia", presented to me by Mr Campbell, Dave was also included
in the photograph.
Next I was taken on a tour of the factory itself, and was able to
see each department at work. I was shown how the original "dog on
a stick" was dissected into small workable pieces to enable moulds
to be made. Even Mia's ears were separated from her head! Then more
moulds are cast from these original "masters". No mould is used more
than just a few times, otherwise much of the model detail would be
lost on some of the end products. This explains why these models are
so expensive. The highest quality only will do, and nothing is left
to chance. Each model is of course, hand painted, and as I chatted
to the artists it was obvious that they loved their work and found
it very interesting. I was shown the firing ovens into which every
model must go three of four times before it is finished. I also visited
the bronze foundry, where great lumps of metal are turned into delicate
filigree leaves, tiny twigs and birds' feet.
Then , back to reception, where "Mia" was by now, packed carefully
into her own little box, and waiting to be taken home. It was time
to say "Goodbye" to the staff at Albany. I picked up my precious cargo
and drove carefully home.
All the family were waiting for me. They gathered round and watched
excitedly as I tore at the wrapping on the box. Out fell a pile of
polystyrene "beans", beneath which were a couple of layers of that
lovely, transparent "bubbly" packing which my young daughter proceeded
to "crack" with great enjoyment. Eventually, I came to the oobject
of their attention. Very carefully it was lifted out, to the expected
accompaniment of "Ooh's" and "Ahhs". My usually non-committal husband
made the first comment, "Now that is the best Collie model I have
ever seen""
