A BURNLEY artist who created a pottery dynasty which has lasted more than 55 years has died.

Jean Walmsley Heap, one of the creative geniuses behind Pendelfin figurines, died in hospital at Grange Over Sands, at the age of 87.

Generations of collectors have marvelled at Pendelfin artefacts, first created by Jean in a little wooden hut on the outskirts of the town.

The ceramic collectables were brought to life after Jean met Jeannie Todd at a Burnley Artists Society gathering in 1953.

Their debut piece, a Pendle witch, was quickly followed by a ‘fairy shop’, before the pair moved to a lock-up in Harle Syke, from where they fashioned their signature figurines, a lovable rabbit family.

The figurines remain highly collectable, with a thriving internet traders markets, and rare 1950s models have fetched more than £3,000 when auctioned.

Glenys Allen, of the Pendelfin Centre in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, said: “What many people do not know about Jean is that she began as an illustrator of children’s books, which led her into the figurines.”

The collection held by Glenys’ mother Sue, at more than 500 pieces, is believed to be the largest in the country.

Following the death of Jeannie, who suffered from spinal cancer, in 1974, Jean later moved to a farm in the Lleyn peninsula in Wales, where she was inspired to create a number of new ranges.

In 1989 she moved to Grange over Sands, where she established a new studio.

Down the years as Pendelfin’s rabbit family grew, so did the company, moving across the town, through a succession of mill studios, before ending up in the Briercliffe Business Centre.

Production halted in Burnley in January 2006, after half a century in the town, but the name lives on after the firm was bought out by north-east based company Collectables, in Blaydon.

Arthur Morley, former managing director of Pendlefin, said: “Her talents were boundless - her ability to paint was absolutely brilliant.”

He said that, in her later years, she enjoyed meeting enthusiasts when Pendelfin launched its collectors club in 1992.

“People used to come from all over the world to auctions and to meet Jean and her fellow artists. She achieved international fame,” he added.

Jean’s funeral takes place on Friday at Waltonwrays Crematorium in Skipton.

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