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Media Arts Group Takeover |
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 In December 1993 came the first
substantial change in the company behind David Winter Cottages. This was the
acquisition of The Studios and Workshops of John Hine Limited, who where having
financial problems, by Media Arts Group Inc. This American company was rapidly
expanding into the world of collectables during the 1990's. Having the David
Winter Cottages brand under their control not only would benefit John Hine, who
was still in control, but also the range as a whole as more capital could be
used in the increasing development of the cottages and the production of them.
Basically the potential was now there for David's creative skills to flourish
even further and this they did.
Guardian Castle, Quindene Manor,
Willow Gardens, St George's Castle, Guinevere's Castle and
Wreckers Cottages are just a few pieces made during this period where
David excelled himself. These pieces are bolder with more detail and in the
case of Quindene Manor and Guinevere's Castle are the largest
pieces made to-do-date. Media Arts Group Inc's intervention also prompted newer
ideas and different collections. "The Seaside Boardwalk Collection" had seven
pieces which had a joining Dock Accessory enabling all the pieces in
this collection to be displayed linked together in a different order. "The
Celebration Cottages Collection" was an attempt to stimulate the more casual
collector. The idea was for them to be purchased as presents for special
occasions and events. For example Mother's Cottage was intended to be
given as a present for Mothers Day while there were two versions of Stork
Cottage. Intended for the arrival of a new born the blue version was for a
boy and pink for a girl.
Media Arts Group Inc had another strategy and that
was more numbered Limited Editions. During 1993 - 1996 there was an average of
15 limited editions released each year. The bulk of these limited edition
pieces were made up from another concept that Media Arts Group Inc had
introduced to the collectables market - The Premier Editions. As well as the
standard releases there was, on the majority of pieces, a numbered limited
special version made as well. At first the Premier Versions only had, apart
from a higher price, a slightly different base and a numbered Certificate of
Authenticity. However, due to demands from collectors this was changed to
adding additional details to the pieces. Extra flowers, shields (for castles)
and metal additions were added as well as slightly different colour variations.
Media Arts Group Inc also were more keen to please the growing American market
and most of these pieces were sold there long before being released in the
United Kingdom. |
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