The enduring appeal of Bunnykins
Royal Doulton Bunnykins brings together childhood memories, playful illustration and characterful ceramic figures. For many families, the connection begins with a treasured cereal bowl, plate or mug. For others, it starts with a rabbit dressed as a sailor, lawyer, musician or familiar historical personality.
The range offers several collecting paths, from illustrated nursery tableware to figurines, commemorative issues and limited editions. Understanding those differences helps collectors identify individual pieces and choose examples that suit their interests.
When did Royal Doulton Bunnykins begin?
Bunnykins nurseryware was introduced in 1934, using rabbit illustrations by Barbara Vernon, a nun and teacher whose father, Cuthbert Bailey, was a senior figure at Royal Doulton.
Her drawings depicted rabbits taking part in recognisable human activities. Adapted as transfer-printed decoration on children’s ceramics, these scenes gave practical nurseryware a lively storytelling quality.
The first six Bunnykins figurines appeared in 1939, but production was interrupted by the Second World War. Figurines were revived in 1972 through the Beswick company, which had joined the Royal Doulton group. The range subsequently expanded into a much broader family of characters.
Tableware and figurines: two different collecting interests
Bunnykins tableware includes bowls, plates, cups and related nursery pieces decorated with illustrated scenes. Collectors may focus on a particular scene, shape, inscription or period.
Figurines translate the rabbit characters into three-dimensional ceramic models. Their costumes, poses and accessories create subjects ranging from everyday occupations to sporting events and historical figures.
Do not assume that every piece has the same ceramic body or production method. Record the material and manufacturing details supported by the particular object, its markings and reliable references.
Why do people collect Bunnykins?
Part of the appeal is personal. A childhood bowl can recall family mealtimes, while an occupational figure may connect with someone’s career or interests. The playful subjects also make Bunnykins approachable for people starting a collection.
Australian-themed figures provide another collecting direction. Models such as Captain Cook and Aussie Shearer connect the wider Bunnykins world with subjects familiar to Australian buyers.
A carefully chosen figure can make a thoughtful gift, particularly when its character has meaning for the recipient. Condition, presentation and accurate identification remain more useful buying considerations than a general claim that all Bunnykins are rare.
Reading Bunnykins backstamps
Begin with a clear photograph of the complete underside. Depending on the piece, its markings may include the Royal Doulton name, Bunnykins branding, a character name, model reference, copyright date, country of manufacture, edition details or collectors’ club wording.
Read these details together rather than dating an object from the logo alone. Then compare the figure’s pose, costume, accessories and dimensions with the documented model.
What does the DB number mean?
The DB reference identifies a Bunnykins figurine model. It is not the unique serial number of every individual example and should not be read as a manufacturing date.
Record the character name and DB reference together. Examples include Lawyer Bunnykins DB214, Captain Cook Bunnykins DB251, Sister Mary Barbara DB334 and Aussie Shearer DB368.
Copyright dates and manufacturing dates
A copyright date generally relates to the design and does not necessarily identify when an individual example was manufactured.
Keep the copyright date, documented issue period and any separate commemorative marking distinct. A Millennium 2000 inscription, for example, should be recorded in addition to a different copyright date rather than replacing it.
Limited editions and handwritten numbers
An individual edition number is different from the DB model reference. Where a base or certificate states an edition of 1,000 and identifies the example as 0703, record it as number 703 of 1,000.
Do not treat every handwritten number, initial or inspection mark as an edition number. Its meaning needs supporting evidence.
Were all Bunnykins made in England?
No. English manufacture is found on many examples, while some later Bunnykins were made in China. Read the country wording on the individual piece and compare it with any accompanying packaging.
Royal Doulton’s British origins do not establish the manufacturing country of every object. Country markings should be described accurately rather than used alone to judge authenticity.
Boxes, certificates and collectors’ club issues
Original packaging and certificates can add interest and help document a particular issue. Check that the character, model reference and edition details correspond with the figure.
A collectors’ club exclusive is not automatically a numbered limited edition. Likewise, a boxed figure should not be advertised as having a certificate unless the paperwork is actually present.
Missing packaging does not by itself make a figure inauthentic. Assess the object and the strength of its identification evidence.
What condition details should collectors examine?
Check projecting ears, fingers, feet and accessories carefully, followed by the base and any delicate costume details. Look for chips, structural cracks, repairs and changes to the glaze.
Fine glaze crazing may be present on older ceramics. Assess its extent separately from damage through the ceramic body. Neither crazing nor its absence proves age, authenticity or freedom from restoration.
For nurseryware, examine rims, handles, decoration and the interior surface. Collectability alone does not establish that an older piece is suitable for continued food use.
Understanding Bunnykins prices
Value depends on the particular model, availability, condition, edition, presentation and buyer demand. Age or a limited-edition statement alone does not guarantee a high price.
Compare genuinely similar examples and distinguish advertised asking prices from completed sales. Check whether auction figures include buyer’s premium and whether retail prices include delivery.
A collection can be rewarding without concentrating on the most expensive pieces. A well-chosen group connected by subject, colour or personal meaning can be just as enjoyable to display.
Caring for a Bunnykins collection
Handle figures around the body with support beneath the base. Avoid lifting them by ears, arms or accessories.
Dust gently and keep the display stable. Avoid abrasive cleaning and do not assume that dishwasher or microwave instructions for modern tableware apply to older figurines or nursery pieces.
Retain labels, certificates and boxes where available, and keep photographs of identifying marks with your collection records.
Browse More Royal Doulton Bunnykins for sale.
Browse our Royal Doulton collection at TMC Emporium.
Explore the history of Royal Doulton in our Knowledge Centre.
Further reading: Powerhouse Museum — Bunnykins history and collection record.