The Royal Doulton large character jug Simon the Cellarer (model D5504) is a charming piece introduced in 1935 and withdrawn in 1960. Designed by Charles J. Noke and Harry Fenton, it depicts a cheerful medieval wine steward, drawn from the popular 19th-century drinking song Simon the Cellarer by W. H. Bellamy.
Simon is shown in full Elizabethan costume, complete with a ruffled collar and a maroon cap. His expression is merry, reflecting his role as keeper—and taster—of a rare stock of fine wines, including Malmsey, Malvoisie, and Cyprus, according to the song. The handle of the jug is crafted in the shape of a large bunch of keys, symbolising Simon’s access to the wine cellar. At the rear base of the jug, the words Simon the Cellarer are moulded into the ceramic and painted, reinforcing the connection to the traditional song.
Unlike some more valuable Royal Doulton character jugs, Simon the Cellarer is not currently considered particularly valuable on the secondary market. Despite this, it remains a classic and much-loved design among collectors, admired for its craftsmanship and historical context. Jugs can be found for a s little as £8/$10 at auction.
Several colourway variations of the jug have been observed over the years. A notable example appeared at Whitley’s Auctioneers during their Spring Discovery Sale on 14 May 2019. This version featured a black cap and black keys, with greyish-brown hair and the name text in a distinctive gold/yellow tone—a clear departure from the standard maroon and natural tones. This trial colorway sold for $700.
Royal Doulton also issued a small version of this jug (D5616) in 1936, which was discontinued at the same time as the large version in 1960.
The character of Simon, immortalised in Bellamy’s song, celebrates the joyful traditions of English tavern life. Though no longer widely performed, the song was a staple in Victorian music halls, and the jug preserves this slice of cultural history through ceramic artistry. Whether in standard or rare colourways, Simon the Cellarer remains a fine example of Royal Doulton’s legacy in character jug design.