my father’s legacy

The object is a rare Royal Doulton Prestige Tiger on the Rock, created under the direction of Charles Noke. Its hand-painted detail and powerful stance was designed to capture the strength and dignity of the Tiger, qualities that remind me of my Father.

The figurine was presented to my father, James Edward Spooner, by the Managing Director of Royal Doulton when he retired after 40 years of service. It was one of the proudest moments of his life and a symbol of the respect he earned from his colleagues at the Burslem Factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

I inherited the Tiger at the age of 57, after my mother Beatrice passed away and my parents’ Royal Doulton collection was divided up among family members. Out of everything, the Tiger had the deepest meaning for me.

(ON THE RIGHT) James Edward Spooner being gifted the Tiger, upon retiring, after spending most of his working life at Royal Doulton.

My strongest memory is the photograph of my father receiving it with a smile and sense of achievement. Today, the Tiger and the photograph sit together on display to honour his memory and the role Royal Doulton played in our family’s history. If I were to lose it now, after 20 years of having it with me, it would feel like losing a piece of him. The monetary value means little compared to the history, pride, and family legacy it represents.