One regret was that Doulton showed no interest in another of her characters: an engaging family of ducks.

ECONOMIST: Barbara Vernon Bailey

The figurines of the characters - made famous by The Beano and Dandy comics - were taken along with a number of Royal Doulton pieces.

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Her father was general manager of Doulton, a manufacturer of chinaware.

ECONOMIST: Barbara Vernon Bailey

"Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that represent a high quality product which is steeped in history, " says Angus Martin, joint administrator, Deloitte.

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The Stoke area is still regarded as a world-leader in ceramic manufacturing and some of the world's best known toilet manufacturers are based in the area, including Twyford, Armitage Shanks and Doulton.

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