 The Subjects from Literature school of series, as defined by Louise Irvine, are a grouping of 39 series depicting scenes from 22 literary subjects. By far the most important of these subjects are the works of Charles Dickens and the playwright William Shakespeare. Royal Doulton created 10 individual series covering the works of Shakespeare and 8 series that cover Charles Dickens literary heritage (I have given Dickens Ware its own page). To date I have only covered Dickens Ware, Sir Roger de Coverley and Under the Greenwood Tree, but I have plans to cover many more of Royal Doulton’s Literary series.
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Sir Roger de Coverly Comport; D.5184; era 1937 - 1942 The Sir Roger de Coverley series is based on a series of characters conceived by Thomas Steele for the literary magazine “The Spectator” which was first published in March1711. Thomas Steel depicted Sir Roger as the ideal country gentleman from the county of Worcestershire; Sir Roger was a stalwart Tory and a pious Christian; a man with an impeccable lineage. Other characters are the Spectators, who Sir Roger invites to visit his country estate. "Thomas Touchy", Sir Roger’s neighbour who sues anybody at the drop of a hat and the landlord who models the sign of his inn on Sir Roger. There is also the honorable gentleman "William Wimble" and of course "The Widow". 
This is a quirky series with some great scenes; my personal favorite is Tomas Touchy, I love the sign just above his right shoulder (above). I guess we all have had the misfortune of knowing a Tomas Touchy. |
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The subject of Robin Hood really needs no introduction; we all know the story, there seems to be a new movie or TV series every other year. My favorite is Mel Brook’s “Men in Tights”, for no other reason than that it is just so ridiculous. Robin Hood and his band Merry Men - living it rough in Sherwood Forest - stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Heinous villains like Guy of Gisborne and the Sheriff of Nottingham. There is Robin’s love interest, Maid Marion, and of course the final reward when King Richard returns from the crusades – such a ripping yarn. It seems Royal Doulton also thoughts so. So in 1914 Under the Greenwood Tree was introduced, there where some modification to the scenes and new items where introduced in 1937, 1939 and 1951. The series was finally withdrawn from production in 1967. |
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