Since 1934, Royal Doulton’s “Bunnykins” china and figurines have been delighting children and adults alike. In the early 1930’s, Royal Doulton’s general manager, Cuthbert Bailey, introduced a line of chinaware featuring the artwork of his daughter, Mary Barbara Bailey. Miss Bailey’s drawings of a family of rabbits dressed in human clothes and in a variety of domestic scenes delighted the public. Several different scenes of Mr. and Mrs. Bunnykins and their children were produced in a range of different china objects. Little did the public know, but Miss Bailey wasn’t a professional artist at all, but rather, a nun.
When Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret began using Bunnykins dishes in the 1930’s, the line really became popular, making the perfect gift for the special events in a child’s life. And, so, the line has remained popular to this day.
This dish comes from my very own set of Bunnykins china, dating to my childhood—so, sometime in the early 1970’s. They are delightful dishes, and I hope they continue to amuse both children and adults for a long time to come.
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