The SylvaC Collectors Circle is the club for collectors of Shaw and Copestake pottery and SylvaC Ware. The club was formed in mid-1988 by Mick and Derry Collins, out of a quest for knowledge about this then little known ware. Initially the club was started by Mick to see how much interest there would be for such a venture, then wife Derry was quickly "roped" in to help, as membership rapidly rose when word spread of the club's existence. Their own SylvaC collecting had started back in 1983 with the acquisition of the no.3098 Lily range Posy Holder. This item had been seen, priced at £6.00, in an antique centre in Bath, Avon. Although they thought it was so ugly, there was a strange attraction about it and the rest, as they say, is history! SylvaC at that time was extremely cheap and, in the main, very easy to come by. Mick and Derry's collection, and interest, grew throughout the 1980's and it became apparent that there were many others also becoming interested, but nobody seemed to know anything about the products' origins. The club was started, therefore, as a result of this and gradually more and more information came to light, books were published on the subject and the club now has over 600 members in the U.K. and abroad. Naturally, as the interest in SylvaC has grown over the years, the price of it has increased tremendously, with animal items and some household novelties commanding some very high prices. As with anything that increases in both price and popularity, SylvaC copies, repros and fakes have appeared since 1997 on the collecting scene.

Mick and Derry produce a club newsletter every three months, full of up-to-date information on prices paid, items found, etc. Each newsletter also includes an advertisements section which has proved to be very popular. From time to time lists are sent out of collections of SylvaC for sale but this is solely dependant, obviously, on the availability of such collections. Members can also purchase Information Sheets, produced under various headings, all designed to assist them in making their hobby both enjoyable and worthwhile. These sheets are available exclusively to club members. The club subscription is currently £18.00 per annum for U.K. membership and £25.00 per annum for overseas membership.

If you are interested in joining THE SYLVAC COLLECTORS CIRCLE, please e-mail your details or send a stamped, self addressed envelope to the address shown below.

The SylvaC Collectors Circle,

174, Portsmouth Road,

Horndean,

Waterlooville,

Hants.

PO8 9HP

U.K.

 

Please note that individual identification and valuation is a service available only to club members.