The Delightful World of Bunnykins
4th Jul 2024
In 1934, the enchanting world of Bunnykins tableware sprang to life, adorned with the delightful illustrations of Sister Mary Barbara Bailey, then known as Barbara Vernon. These whimsical scenes featured anthropomorphic rabbits, like the beloved Mr. and Mrs Bunnykins, dressed in quaint English attire against the pristine backdrop of white china.
These early pieces, bearing the signature "Barbara Vernon," are treasures of a bygone era, coveted for their rarity and cherished for their nostalgic charm. Bunnykins quickly captured the hearts of families across middle-class England, a sentiment heightened when it graced the royal tables of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, becoming a favored choice for special occasions like christenings and birthdays.
By 1950, the era of Sister Mary Barbara's enchanting drawings came to a close, yet Bunnykins endured, evolving under the stewardship of new artists. Among them was Walter Hayward, whose artistic vision in the early 1950s breathed new life into Bunnykins designs. His creations, continuing the legacy of whimsy and tradition, were later immortalized in the pages of "Picnic for Bunnykins," a cherished storybook published in 1984 by Kestrel Books.
Today, Bunnykins remains more than just tableware; it is a cherished link to a simpler time, where each piece tells a story of rural England and the joyous adventures of its endearing rabbit inhabitants. For those seeking to recapture this nostalgic charm, Bunnykins tableware and figurines are available for purchase at Marple Antiques, where collectors and enthusiasts alike can discover and preserve these timeless pieces of British ceramic history.