Arnold Machin for Wedgwood: Pair of Taurus Bulls, Circa 1950
Arnold Machin for Wedgwood: Pair of Taurus Bulls, Circa 1950
7247
A rare and highly decorative pair of Taurus the Bull figures designed by Arnold Machin for Wedgwood, comprising one creamware and one black example, dating to circa 1950. With their lowered heads, powerful shoulders, short horns, and raised tails, these compelling models capture the energy and solidity of the bull through a distinctly modern, simplified sculptural language.
Machin designed Taurus in the mid-1940s, and it became one of his most successful works for Wedgwood. The figure was exhibited by Wedgwood at the 1946 'Britain Can Make It"'exhibition and later appeared at the Festival of Britain, placing it firmly within the story of post-war British design. Its bold, streamlined form is both decorative and sculptural, retaining a strong connection to the Taurus zodiac sign while feeling remarkably fresh and contemporary.
The creamware version has the warmth and softness associated with Wedgwood's celebrated Queen's Ware, while the black example provides a striking contrast, emphasising the figure's powerful silhouette and carefully modelled details. Displayed together, the pair make an especially effective statement: one light, one dark, both sharing the same poised and muscular form.
Arnold Machin is widely recognised as one of the leading British ceramic sculptors and designers of the 20th century. His work for Wedgwood combined technical skill with an assured modern sensibility, and *Taurus the Bull* remains among his most recognisable and collectible designs.
A superb pair for collectors of Wedgwood, mid-century British ceramics, zodiac design, or modern animal sculpture. Their scale, presence, and contrasting finishes make them ideal for display in a library, study, living room, or curated interior.
Dimensions:
RELATED ITEMS
![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.emmettandwhite.com/ceramics/arnold-machin-for-wedgwood-pair-of-taurus-bulls-circa-1950&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/emmett_84GhgetY64730-U84534/stock/694aa24026cf5_457_7247.jpg&description=A rare and highly decorative pair of Taurus the Bull figures designed by Arnold Machin for Wedgwood, comprising one creamware and one black example, dating to circa 1950. With their lowered heads, powerful shoulders, short horns, and raised tails, these compelling models capture the energy and solidity of the bull through a distinctly modern, simplified sculptural language.Machin designed Taurus in the mid-1940s, and it became one of his most successful works for Wedgwood. The figure was exhibited by Wedgwood at the 1946 'Britain Can Make It"'exhibition and later appeared at the Festival of Britain, placing it firmly within the story of post-war British design. Its bold, streamlined form is both decorative and sculptural, retaining a strong connection to the Taurus zodiac sign while feeling remarkably fresh and contemporary.The creamware version has the warmth and softness associated with Wedgwood's celebrated Queen's Ware, while the black example provides a striking contrast, emphasising the figure's powerful silhouette and carefully modelled details. Displayed together, the pair make an especially effective statement: one light, one dark, both sharing the same poised and muscular form.Arnold Machin is widely recognised as one of the leading British ceramic sculptors and designers of the 20th century. His work for Wedgwood combined technical skill with an assured modern sensibility, and *Taurus the Bull* remains among his most recognisable and collectible designs.A superb pair for collectors of Wedgwood, mid-century British ceramics, zodiac design, or modern animal sculpture. Their scale, presence, and contrasting finishes make them ideal for display in a library, study, living room, or curated interior.){kind=link}