Lovely selection of Lladro Gres for auction 30th April/1st May
Superb collection of Lladro Gres from Local Private Collector
Once again, Potters Auction Saleroom is excited to present a very special private collection, this time of Lladro Gres Figures which are fresh to the market
Lladro Gres: Description and Story
Description Lladro Gres refers to a distinctive line of sculptures produced by the Spanish porcelain maker Lladro that departs from their classic glazed porcelain style. Gres pieces are made from stoneware (gres in Spanish), fired at high temperatures to create a dense, hard-bodied ceramic with a matte, earthen appearance. Typical characteristics:
Material and finish: High-fired stoneware with a matte, unglazed or minimally glazed surface, often showing subtle, natural textures and muted tones (ivory, beige, gray, soft pastels).
Sculptural style: Emphasis on form, texture, and volume rather than shiny surfaces. Figures often have simplified, almost abstracted features; clothing and drapery are rendered with visible tool marks or carved textures that highlight the material’s sculptural quality.
Subjects: Human figures (especially contemplative women, mothers and children), animals, dancers, and occasionally more abstract or modern motifs. Themes tend toward introspection, serenity, and timelessness.
Scale and weight: Stoneware pieces are typically heavier and sturdier than glazed porcelain, with a solid, substantial feel.
Markings: Most authentic Lladro Gres pieces carry Lladro’s factory mark (various iterations across decades) and often a model number impressed in the clay or stamped on the base. Some pieces include artist or series names.
Story and Context Origins and rationale Lladro, founded in 1953 in Valencia, Spain, built its reputation on fine porcelain figurines characterized by delicate forms and glossy glazes. In the 1970s and 1980s, responding to changing tastes and the desire to explore new artistic directions, Lladro introduced the Gres line to expand beyond its signature porcelain aesthetic. The move allowed the company’s designers to experiment with texture, volume, and a more modern, sculptural language.
Artistic intent Gres pieces reflect a conscious shift toward the expressive possibilities of raw clay. Removing the high-gloss finish focuses attention on silhouette, gesture, and surface treatment. The result often reads as both contemporary and timeless—relations to modernist sculpture are evident, while subject matter retains Lladro’s characteristic warmth and emotionality. Designers used the medium to evoke natural surfaces (stone, fabric, bark) and to produce works that feel tactile and intimate.
Designers and notable series Several prominent Lladro designers contributed to the Gres range, bringing varied approaches from minimalist abstraction to delicate figuration. While individual series and designers vary, common strands include:
Mother-and-child and solitary female figures emphasizing quiet emotion.
Dancers and movement studies that use negative space and simplified lines.
Animal studies and stylized forms with pronounced textural treatment.
Collecting and market Gres pieces appeal to collectors who appreciate Lladro’s craftsmanship but prefer a less glossy, more sculptural aesthetic. Condition is important: chips and cracks in stoneware can be more visible and sometimes harder to repair invisibly than in glazed porcelain. Original finishes and factory markings add to provenance. Price depends on rarity, size, condition, and desirability of the specific design or artist.
How to view and bid
Browse the collection online to view the full photos
If you’d like to see any item in person, contact us to arrange a viewing at the saleroom.
Items will be offered in upcoming auctions — check the catalogue for lot numbers and auction dates.
For enquiries, viewing appointments or extra images, please contact Potters Auction Saleroom.
Plan Your Visit
We warmly invite you to attend our viewing day on Wednesday, 29th April between 10am and 4pm. This is your opportunity to examine items in person, ask questions, and make informed decisions before the sale. Our knowledgeable team will be on hand throughout the viewing period to assist with any enquiries.
For those unable to attend in person, full catalogue details are available on our website. Condition reports are available on request.
Important Auction Information
Auction Date:
Thursday, 30th April 2026 at 10:30 AM Lots 1-599
Friday, 1st May 2026 at 10:30 AM Lots 600-to finish
Viewing Day:
Wednesday, 29th April 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Registration required
How to Participate:
Browse the full catalogue and bid online via:
pottersauction.atgportals.net
easyliveauction.com
the-saleroom.com
Don't Miss Out
We strongly encourage attending our viewing day on Wednesday, 29th April. Seeing these items in person—examining and inspecting items up close—will help you bid with confidence.
Registration is required for viewing and bidding, so register in advance to avoid disappointment.
For condition reports, specific lot inquiries, or registration assistance, contact us at:
Phone: 01724 505005
Whether you're chasing that special something, hunting for interesting pieces or looking for your next investment, Potters April auctions promises to deliver.
Mark your calendars — this is one sale you won't want to miss!