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Great Danes: French Bulldog
Collectibles from Denmark
"Article by Gary Bachman reprinted with permission from Just
Frenchies magazine, Volume 3, Number 2 Spring 2005."

www.justfrenchies.com
The Danish porcelain Frenchies have a unique look and reflect a
sensibility quite different from the German and other European models.
Their facial expressions are serious and melancholic, poses are classical
yet somewhat unusual and the glazes are thick and rich. The colors reflect
the Art Nouveau palette: pinks, greys and lavenders. The rare
"tiger" brindles are a deep mahogany color and unmatched by
those of any other manufacturer.
There were 3 important factories: Dahl Jensen (1925-1984), Royal
Copenhagen (1775-present) and Bing & Grondahl (1853 and merged with
Royal Copenhagen in 1987).
There were also 3 important sculptors: Dahl Jensen (1874-1960) who worked
for B&G before opening his own factory in 1925, and Lauritz Jensen
(1859-1935) and Knud Khyn (1880-1969) who created masterworks for Royal
Copenhagen. Additionally, there were 5 other artists who made Frenchie
models. Knud Moller designed a small French Bulldog for Royal Copenhagen
in 1913. Sophus Jensen-Kromand, who worked for B&G from 1910-47,
created a very remarkable pair of bookends. There is a B&G reclining
Frenchie with a glaze that imitates bronze signed "R. Gauguin"
which dates from the 1930s. And B&G also produced two white Frenchies
by unknown artists. One is small and quite early in date and the other a
superb Art Deco example.
With the exception of Royal Copenhagen few pieces were signed by the
artists. Most have green hallmarks with initials and fractional numbers in
green or blue. These are key to dating these pieces. There are several
easily obtainable books about these factories for those interested in the
dates of production of the Frenchies in their collections.
"Seconds," or pieces which were not deemed first quality have a
scratch through the mark on the base. Often though, the quality is
indistinguishable from those considered best. The following survey
illustrates all of the recorded French Bulldogs by the Danish factories.
It is worthwhile to note that many have been out of production for decades
and are now quite scarce.
Thanks to Jan Grebe, Françoise and Jean-Pierre Girard, Stuart King and 2
private collectors for images from their collections.
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11a, b. Imagine a life so privileged as to own a magnificent pair of 9
inch tall porcelain bookends by B&G. Near the base on the flat side of
the Bully is the Roman numeral II. |
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| 12. This unusual French Bulldog by B&G is scratching his head and
has a thick glaze imitating patinated bronze. Design Rene Gauguin

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New Book
The French Bulldog
Whether the Frenchie in your life is wearing a “badger”
collar and snoozing by your side or gaiting next to you in the Group
ring on the way to Best in Show, you will delight in this
extravagant celebration of a breed that has captured the hearts and
imaginations of dog lovers the world over. As entertaining as it is
authoritative, the first volume in Kennel Club Books’ new Classic
series glistens with the personality and irresistible charm of this
photogenic and fashion-forward dog, as illustrated in over 250
beautiful photographs.
Author Muriel P. Lee, editor of Just Frenchies magazine, has
orchestrated the talents and insight of a dozen world-renowned
canine specialists, each of whom has written on their area of
Frenchie expertise.
The author, accompanied by breed judge Anne M. Hier, takes the
reader on a grand tour of the French Bulldog in America from the
19th century to the present day. An overseas jaunt takes up to the
shores of the breed’s homeland, France, as well as England,
Australia and New Zealand.
The Frenchie’s talents are highlighted in chapters about therapy
work, agility and obedience and doggie fashion. Other topics
discussed include an insider’s look at judging in the show ring by
breeder-judge Virginia Rowland, the breed’s health and well-being
by Dr. Janice Grebe and breeding, whelping and infant puppy care.
The book is crowned by its two final chapters, lavishly illustrated
exhibitions of Frenchie collectibles by antiques specialist Gary
Bachman and the Frenchie in fine art by world-renowned 19th-century
dog-painting expert William Secord.
Publisher, Kennel Club Books
198 pages 8 ¼ x 11 ¼ Hardcover with jacket Full color photography
throughout
UPC: 8 28182 00680 7 ISBN-10: 1-59378-680-8 ISBN-13:
978-1-59378-680-8
it sells for $39.95 in the USA.
Links:
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