Ivorex is a distinctive line of decorative plaster plaques and figurines, created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Arthur Osborne in Faversham, England. Known for their unique ivory-colored finish and detailed relief work, Ivorex pieces depict historical scenes, famous landmarks, folklore, and everyday life.
Over time, these works of art became cherished collectibles, admired for their craftsmanship and nostalgic charm. The purpose of this website is to preserve the history of Ivorex, share knowledge about its origins, and provide a reference for collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide.
This site is dedicated to the late John Smith (1944-2014) of Southampton, UK. His love of the artwork and his many years of research and compiling information made this possible.
In his early 20’s John purchased several plaques. This started a journey that would span approximately five decades as he grew his personal collection to well over 800 pieces. His passion spurred his interest in researching Arthur Osborne’s life, his family history and his amazing artware.
John shared his research and the information collected through the creation of an Ivorex CD to share his knowledge with other collectors and gather additional information. The information on this site is from that CD.
His family, especially his wife Betty, deserves to be recognized for their patience and unwavering support during this journey. It is with Betty’s gracious approval and authorization that we are able to share the information from his CD with you.