Let's Talk About Pottery & Collectables

Pottery => Studio Pottery => England => Topic started by: Elaine on August 15, 2007, 11:07:02 AM

Title: Another Rooke? - ID = Felix Rooke of Bernard Rooke Pottery
Post by: Elaine on August 15, 2007, 11:07:02 AM

I've been looking at some pieces of pottery I bought at the same time as my Bernard Rooke Dragonfly vase, and found this piece.  It is Chief Vitalstatistix from the 'Asterix the Gaul' books.  It has a name which I can now see to be Rooke on one side of the foot, but on the other foot it has the name Felix. 

Would this figure have been by Bernard Rooke?  Or was there someone named Felix also working with him?  Perhaps a son or brother?  I can't find any reference to a Felix Rooke, or to Bernard Rooke having made any Asterix figures! 

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Martyn on August 15, 2007, 11:25:28 AM

I've never seen a Bernard Rooke like this have some doubts that it is one of his, but it is similar to his stoneware, glazes and general style so maybe it is? Has anyone else has seen one like this before?....very odd?

He produced both individual handbuilt and cast production pieces, I suppose it is possible that this was made to order for a local store or as a gift for someone? but it would need more research before I'd say definately it is by Bernard.

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Elaine on August 15, 2007, 11:59:42 AM

I remember when I bought it there were several other Asterix figures available, but they had sold out of Asterix himself, or I would have bought him, too.  It was definitely bought from the same shop where I got the Dragonfly vase, which I seem to remember was in Lavenham.   

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Martyn on September 20, 2007, 02:52:16 PM

Just spotted Bernard now has a web site (run by his son Aaron) I had'nt seen before.... http://www.bernard-rooke.co.uk/

Might be worth sending him a pic of this to tie it down?

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Elaine on September 20, 2007, 06:04:13 PM

Thanks, Martyn!  I'll do that!   :kissy:

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Elaine on September 20, 2007, 08:25:02 PM

Wow!  I got a reply from Aaron Rooke already!  :o 

He writes: "Hello
This piece was designed and made by Felix Rooke while working at the
Bernard Rooke pottery.He now lives in Canada and has his own design and
model making workshop called 'Replicate Designs'
http://www.replicatedesigns.com/profile.php You may like to contact him.
Regards Aaron Rooke - brother"

 :gcheer:
 

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Della on September 20, 2007, 09:00:26 PM

 :clap: :clap: Great news, Leni.  :gcheer:

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Martyn on September 20, 2007, 09:21:08 PM

Fantastic Leni...what a nice message...you were spot on with your earlier thoughts..

"Perhaps a son or brother?"

...very happy.

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: Elaine on September 20, 2007, 11:25:45 PM

I've also just had a very nice reply from Felix Rooke himself!  He says, "Thanks very much for the kind email, I'm glad you enjoy the Chief as much as I enjoyed making it, shame you didn't get any of the others as there are not that many around, but you never know, I might make them again one day, if I do I'll be sure to let you know."  ;D

Title: Re: Another Rooke?
Post by: chopin-liszt on September 21, 2007, 09:34:49 AM

 ;D

I want a "Getafix" and my Dad wanted a "Dogmatix".

 :sun: I've got a collection of the books - Dad loved them.