Proctor Auctions Owner Expands Passion for Ceramic Bulldogs

Ronnie Proctor, the third-generation owner of Proctor Auctions, has embraced a unique passion for collecting ceramic bulldogs. His enthusiasm for these charming statuettes extends beyond mere interest; it reflects a family tradition of collecting that has been a hallmark of the Proctor legacy for over fifty years.

Family Tradition and Personal Passion

Every member of the Proctor family has had their own specific collection. Proctor’s grandmother was known for her extensive collection of scent bottles, while his father focused on various types of clocks. Ronnie Proctor’s fascination lies with ceramic bulldogs, a collection he has cultivated over the past year. “The benefit of owning an auction house is when a bulldog comes in, it’s quite easy to buy,” he explained.

These ceramic bulldogs frequently find their way into his auction house, often surprising him with their numbers. While some collectors have specific preferences, like Bing Grohdahl ceramics or Beerswick bulldogs, Proctor appreciates any bulldog that catches his eye. “It did start off as a collection of porcelain dogs—just all dogs—but then I sold the others and just stuck with bulldogs,” he said.

The Personal Touch Behind the Collection

Proctor is quick to clarify that he does not consider himself the ultimate expert on ceramic bulldogs; he simply loves them. “Their personalities are just cool—they’re caring and just want to be loved all the time,” he remarked. His own two real bulldogs, Matilda and Coltman, play a significant role in this affection. Matilda is energetic, while Coltman, named after rugby player Liam Coltman, is a heavy snorer who prefers lounging.

Since beginning his collection, Proctor has amassed a considerable number of ceramic bulldogs. “Any kind of bulldog that comes in now, it’s just like ‘oh I need to have that’… but there are times where it’s like ‘I can’t have that, it’s too expensive’,” he noted. Alongside his bulldog collection, he has also kept a few scent bottles to honor his grandmother’s legacy. One of these is a piece he acquired when her collection was auctioned through Proctor Auctions.

Proctor reflected on the origins of the family business, stating, “My grandparents started Proctor Auctions over 50 years ago.” He is now collecting scent bottles for his daughter, who reminds him of his grandmother.

In addition to items that come through his auction house, Proctor actively seeks pieces to enhance his collection. Recently, he purchased a vintage ceramic bulldog for $300 from Dunedin’s Haywards Auction House. Typically, such a piece could command a price of up to $2,000, but Proctor secured a bargain due to a small, repaired chip on the foot of the statue.

Looking ahead, Proctor is set to expand his collection further, with ten more ceramic bulldogs ordered from Trade Me expected to arrive shortly. His dedication to collecting ceramic bulldogs not only highlights his personal interests but also reinforces the enduring legacy of the Proctor family in the auction business.