The 12th edition of Royal Doulton Figurines will be released July 7th in North America and two weeks later in the United Kingdom. This edition contains the highest number of pages of any collectable book published by The Charlton Press.
With only 15 months between the 10th and 11th editions, the indications were such that the collectable market was holding, but soon after the release of the 11th edition the market slowed. It is now almost three years later that we are printing the 12th edition,
Over this period of time a lot has happened in the Doulton world.
Production of the standard figures has shifted completely to the Far East.
Prestige figures are still produced in the U.K. in small limited edition sizes.
Royal Doulton under the stewardship of Waterford Wedgewood has entered reorganization.
Over the three year period (2007-2009) 488 new figures have been issued.
The worldwide economic slowdown which began in 2007 continues through 2009, with signs it will continue into 2010.
The Collectors Club based in the United Kingdom closed.
A new Collectors Club based in Canada has just released its first Gallery Magazine.
The Doulton market, as with all collectable markets is changing.
Thirty new series have been introduced since the 11th edition, a rather high number by any standards. Some of the more notable are: Butterfly Ladies, Window Seasons Collection, Pioneers, Balloon Clowns, Family and Friends, plus three monthly series, Gemstones, Flower of the Month and Signs of the Zodiac, and a festive series Holiday Traditions.
Two new Prestige figures have been introduced for 2009, the Samurai Warrior and Knight of the Crusades.
New releases, discontinuation dates and up-to-date pricing have been revised for 2009, resulting in the most current edition of Royal Doulton Figurines that every collector must have.
