This ceramic sculpture was sold by Bonham’s in 2004. It’s a rare piece by Phyllis Simpson, one of the so-called Chelsea Potters, the modellers whose studios were in and around Chelsea between the two world wars.
Simpson was one of the most talented modellers of the period but almost nothing is known about her. She went into partnership with Ethel Sleigh in the 1920s and they’re best known – it’s not an exaggeration to say they’re only known – for their remarkable model Phyllis and Strephon in the V&A. Sleigh died in 1928 and after her marriage Simpson stopped working.
Who were they? Where did they train? What has happened to the products of their studio? Until another piece like this comes up for sale we may never know.
MARSHALL COLMAN 
I have some of her work it is beautiful. Birds on plate another dish leaves and another reminds me more of Leach in brushstrokes. Love her work. Rare I agree unknown ought not to be
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