From the Studio...

[Matt Buckley]

Having been reading some of the surprisingly less than positive comments regarding our New Introductions on the forum, I have been driven to offer a response. The ‘New’ Apples Galore pieces were designed and sculpted from actual story lines within the world of Trumptonshire, intended to satisfy even the most discerning collector. Gordon Murray himself has had nothing but praise by the way in which we have been able to tell a story through each figurine when set in sequence. Printed on the base of each figurine is a small apple to tie in this particular series of sculpts, a logic which we hope to continue well into the future and yet another design touch we all know you will appreciate.

‘We’ obviously appreciate that collectors have invested a lot of time and money over the years and as such we will continually strive to maintain a quality of design interpretation that we hope you will continue to enjoy. Prices have to reflect design, sculpt and production costs and we have always endeavoured where possible to keep these down. However, global oil prices have sent material costs soaring and resin being a by-product of oil means that unfortunately we have had to adjust some of our prices accordingly.

When we launched the forum we appreciated the warmth of conversation from the wide array of collectors we have. As such we have allowed a freedom of expression and critique toward our product unprecedented within the market we’re in. This has obviously meant that from time to time we have had to take the rough with the smooth, but it does seem to me that sometimes negativity has been able to spread through unqualified rumour or confusion of fact. We are in no way planning to finish or conclude the collection of Camberwick Green, quite the contrary and from the many emails we receive we are always staggered by the number of new collectors we have. Also we have top bear in mind that we have many collectors who have not been with us from the beginning that still wish to continue to collect and covert our work. We hope to enjoy all of your views and conversation well into the future but please remember the likelihood of any new members considering joining this branch of the forum would arguably at this minute be put off. So lets not let a run of often baseless negativity ruin it for the positive many!!

Many thanks for reading and hope to see you all at the 2007 event.

Matt Buckley
Creative Director

[Gavin]

I appreciate all the time and effort that must go into making and designing these piece and I for one will be purchasing the apples galore set!

[Uncle Feedle]

Hi Matt,

I hope I speak for everybody by saying that any negative comments were not meant in anyway to affect any potential new members to the forum, although it is a point I never contemplated until you mentioned, and for that and my own personal view on the latest release I apologise.

It is incredible that with the Camberwick Green collection alone we must be close to if not over 200 pieces by now, and let me just say that I personally also collect the Bagpuss pieces and have done since there very first release became available, and I hope to collect the Mr Benn ones too.

The prices have all been extremely fair, even in the last few years the RRP for the regular series has gone from 14.95-15.50 up by just 55p.

I can only say that the good feelings heavily outweigh any negative ones, my own personal view of the latest release was just a surprised reaction given that the year piece and free gift were also from the same episode.

From now on though, I think it is fair to say that as much as the forum should be open to personal opinions, we should try and focus more on the good points.

I personally adore the Bagpuss and Mr Benn ones right now, and maybe some comments regarding the longer running collections are purely based on how much time and money has been spent in addition to just how novel and amazing the newer collections are and how many people will be collecting these too. I know for a fact I'm not the only one to collect more than 1 of the collections.

Many thanks for everything though Matt and everyone else, and you can bet that we do all appreciate everything you've all done. Robert Harrop designs literally does put all other design studios to shame.

I saw Bagpuss figures years ago made by a different company and they looked scary to be honest, RH make them look so genuine and on-model.

This isn't meant as sucking up in anyway, just the honest truth and the hope that everyone else will follow suit and focus on the good points.

I'm sure if reviewed over the time of the forums the good outweigh the negative, but to new members I can see how this wouldn't be reflected on recent posts.

All the best and we always look forward to new releases.

Dan (2)

[The Curious Orange]

Matt -

These are great pieces, and if I lived in a larger flat with more shelf space I would almost certainly be buying them - I think they will look great in a line telling a narrative. I have nothing but praise for these figures.

Please bear in mind I've been collecting since 1998, the year you started this range, and have spent hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds on your collection to date. My flat is full of CG figures on every available surface, and I've got more still stacked away in their boxes because I've nowhere to display them.

My criticisms are based solely on what hasn't been released - primarily the Fire Engine, but also a walled shop-based scenario like the Greengrocer's shop or the Minton's workshop. In other words, something that I would make room to display. I actually want to spend more money on your products!

So, unfortunately and with heavy heart, I'm going to have to pass on these latest figures - and that makes me rather sad, as this is the first release set where I haven't bought at least one piece.

Yes, I totally understand that newer collectors need to be added to the fold, and these Apples Galore pieces are sure to bring delight to many. I look forward to similar releases in the future from other classic episodes - who knows, I might treat myself to a future set.

But PLEASE don't forget us long-time collectors either, and hurry up with that blasted Fire Engine!

And thank you for all your hard work on the range so far. You have produced a collection that has given me 9 years of pleasure and is sure to provide many more years of pleasure to come.