Border Fine Arts was founded by John Hammond in the 1970s in Middleholm, near Langholm, in Scotland. The company started off in an idyllic 18thC farmhouse, producing bronze and silver figurines, but as demand grew production moved to a purpose built factory near by and the fabric the figures changed to the painted style we are familiar with today. Hammond, also an owner of Dartington Crystal and Caithness Glass, stepped down from the helm at Border Fine Arts in 1994, and the company closed for business in 2016.
Known for realistic portrayals of wildlife, farm animals, figures and rural scenes, the pieces are highly collectable and always prove popular on sale day. Each model is hand finished and larger figure groups are often part of a limited run making them sought after. As always, models with original boxes and certificates command higher prices.
Nostalgia is a large part of the appeal of Border Fine Arts, from their depictions of vintage tractors and rare breeds of livestock, the pieces prove popular amongst farming communities in Scotland, the borders, and of course in Lincolnshire.
Border Fine Arts pieces were largely produced in the Scottish factory, but figures from the ‘Studio’ range were produced in China, realising lower prices at auction.
Border Fine Arts pieces regularly feature within Golding Young sales. In recent months at the Bourne saleroom examples include a group titled ‘New Shoes for Dolly,’ sculpted by Elizabeth MacAllister dated 1988 which realised £100, and another in collaboration with Massey Ferguson titles Tractors Loading Up, modelled by Ray Ayres and dated 2003 which made £85 on sale day.
