Whitby Ducks we bought two.

This is a follow on from last nights glass necklace

WHITBY is known throughout the world for a variety of iconic images from its famous abbey and 199 steps to intrepid explorer James Cook and Dracula ? and not forgetting its lucky ducks.
The quaint little glass ducks, produced by Dorothy Clegg and her staff in her workshop in Sandgate, are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

They were first conceived in the new year of 1958 and in the past half century, the little creatures have reached the far corners of the earth.

They were the brainchild of versatile Peter Rantell, who had a glass making studio in Kirkcudbright in Scotland.

But he thought the little charms may do better as seaside souvenirs and so he travelled down the north-east coast looking for a suitable spot to set up in business.

Stopping off for tea in Whitby, he entered into conversation with Spa manager Dennis Cooper who offered him workshop space.

There he became friendly with the season's Spa actors who asked him to make them a lucky charm ? and the ducks were born. In 1960, he settled in the premises in Sandgate.