Topic: Staffordshire?? animals - ID = C&U Mommens

[christranslates]

  We recently inherited two pairs of (what I think are Staffordshire) animal figurines, a bull and a cow (pictured here) and a pair of cats (on my next post). I think they're quite old and by the same maker. At first I thought the mark was HSM but now think it's H & M (pictured). My husband remembers them from when he was a child, and he's retiring this year! Can anyone tell me more about them please?  because I'm  aginst a brick wall ! (love your smileys) 

[christranslates]

and here are the cats (please see my previous post for bull and cow). Your help would be appreciated.  Chris

[Lustrousstone]

Got it, I think, from the cats.  C & U Mommens, South Heighton, nr Newhaven Sussex 1951-
Studio type pottery and moulded animal models. HS joined, incised or painted mark on Mr CHN Mommens animal models made at South Heighton. 1951-

Ursula, his wife presumably, had a different mark (like a double D) and did tin glazed and other earthernware from 1935. She started to make stomewares in 1963.

The S on the bull is upside down.
Info. Geoffrey A Godden Enc. British Pottery and Porcelain Marks

[Lustrousstone]

The S is upside down on one and stamped twice on the other Doh!

Perhaps TC or Anne can combine the cats and the bulls

[christranslates]

I can combine here for you.
Geographically they make sense.
Thanks, Chris

[Anne]

Definitely South Heighton, well done Christine.   Chris Lewis who is at South Heighton now uses a different variation with the SH monogram - see this site: http://www.chrislewisceramics.com/ - the inside pages' background image shows the monogram.

[christranslates]

  Christine you were spot on  I sent photos to Chris Lewis at South Heighton

http://www.chrislewisceramics.com/ 
 
who very kindly confirmed and added the following information: "Yes, those are definitely made by Norman and Ursula. She has a sheep and a ram in the same series one of which has the date 1951 inscribed on it. That was the date they moved to South Heighton. He was really a stone sculptor. Ursula is the great granddaughter of Charles Darwin. Her first marriage was to Julian Trevelyan a fairly well known painter."

Also Ursula will be 100 years old this year !

[Sue C]

Oh well done, it is always nice when an artist replies, i hope you pointed them in this direction

[christranslates]

I did, Sue  !