Thistlewoods' Website

    

 

Political and Royal Collectibles

Political and Royal collectibles are, put simply, fun! Some are "serious", but we prefer ones that are satirical, caricatures and just plain outrageous. In our opinion, Fluck and Law, the creators of the British television show Spitting Image, are the masters of political, "celebrity" and royal satire. Copied yes, but never beaten for their incisive, and almost cruel caricatures.

Margater Thatcher teapot

 Ronald Reagan coffee pot

 Prince Charles vase

 

This trio of Fluck & Law items were made in creamware - Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and Prince Charles. They are all large pieces (Ronald stands over 10" high), and have some fragility; Margaret's spout / nose and Charles' most wonderful ears for example.

They are very collectable and they are getting harder to find in complete, undamaged condition.

See more here

 

Kevin Francis modelled several figures using the "Spitting Image" label. They have some clever insights; the dagger in Maggie's back (she was constantly being plotted against); Neil Kinnock - the "prime minister who never was" after he went walkabout on a beach and fell in the sea in full view of the media cameras - with his red rose handle; and John Major who was portrayed as a very grey character, and very methodical - hence the wind-up key.

 Maggie Thatcher (Kevin Francis)

 Neil Kinnock (Kevin Francis)

 John Major (Kevin Francis)

 Prince Charles

This is another Kevin Francis, designed by Ray Noble. It is just a single item -on one side it is Prince Charles .....

 Princess Diana

 

 .... and on the other, it is Princess Di.

The Blairs Euan Blair

Some particular favourites - above is a very unflattering salt and pepper Tony and Cherie Blair. The mustard pot is their son, Leo, as a baby, to complete the set. On the right is a Bairstow Manor Pottery toby jug of Gordon Brown as a highwayman (robbing every British taxpayer in sight, naturally!)

 Gordon Brown

We also like other political / royal "fun" collectibles, like the so-called Russian Dolls; which as intended, can be very surprising..... What secrets these dolls are hiding? President Bill Clinton opens to reveal some of the ladies in his life, and Margaret Thatcher again who hides her distinguished predecessors as Prime Minister - Harold Wilson, Harold MacMillan, Sir Winston Churchill, Lloyd George, Gladstone, and last (and tinyest ....) Disraeli.

 President Bill Clinton

 President Clinton's ladies

 Margaret Thatcher russian doll

 British Prime Ministers

 Why not take a peek at our Political and Royal Gallery?

 Political and Royal Gallery: page 1  Political and Royal Gallery: page 2  Political and Royal Gallery: page 3
 Political and Royal Gallery: page 4  Political and Royal Gallery: page 5