Look out for Andrew Hull, a master-sculptor from Stoke-on-Trent, at the Florida show. Andrew will be exhibiting his amazing bird sculptures inspired by the Martin Brothers, including his latest Dickens Bird, which is exclusive to Pascoe and Company. Andrew will also be demonstrating his modeling techniques and hosting master-classes throughout the weekend.

Andrew is a great fan of the Martin Brothers, a family of Victorian potters famous for their bird jars and other grotesques. Two of the Martin brothers worked briefly at Doulton’s Pottery alongside George Tinworth, and they used similar stoneware decorating techniques. Their bird jars were caricatures of famous politicians and church leaders in the late 19th century and they are avidly sought after by Martin Ware collectors today. Andrew studied their work at art school and has been inspired by their bizarre models ever since.

Andrew started his modeling career with the Enchantica range of fantasy sculptures featuring dragons, unicorns and other mythical creatures. Then he moved to Cobridge Stoneware, a Moorcroft company, where he produced some vase designs but specialized in stoneware birds in the Martin tradition. Andrew now has his own company and continues to create caricatures of birds and other comical creatures. Recently he has embarked on a collection of vases and plaques incised with bizarre Martin-style fish and birds and these have been very well received by collectors.

Pascoe and Company has commissioned Andrew to produce a bird caricature of Charles Dickens, which will be launched at the Florida Doulton show. As a famous Victorian personality, Dickens is particularly suited to this humorous interpretation in the Martin Brothers style. The characters in his novels are exaggerated for effect and are entertaining caricatures of Victorian lives. The writings of Charles Dickens have inspired a host of collectible Doulton ceramics so Andrew’s new Dickens Bird will find a welcome home among Doulton fans.