£15,000 figurines go up for sale

Belleek Pottery is bidding to defy the credit crunch as it launches the most expensive product in its history.

The Prisoner of Love figurine was originally designed in the 1860s and it is thought only three or four were ever made by the Fermanagh company.

After the moulds were rediscovered in the company archives last year, craftsmen have spent months recreating the original piece.

Now 25 of the figurines have gone on sale for £15,000 each.

John Maguire, managing director of Belleek Pottery Group, said he was confident all would be sold.

"Times may be difficult economically, but in the world of fine art collecting and investment these figurines represent a once-in-a lifetime opportunity," he said.

"Even before we decided on a price for the piece we were approached by a number of international collectors expressing an interest in securing one of the 25 figurines.

"Now that they have gone officially on sale at £15,000 we are expecting business to be brisk."