Royal Crown Derby Tableware

The first works were established by Andrew Planche in Derby some time before 1750, creating delicate figurines in the style of Dresden's manufacturer Meissen. By the 1770's ownership had transferred to William Duesbury, and these now famous works had acquired the moulds from Bow and the transfer of a number of highly skilled craftsmen. These included Zachariah Borman renown for his landscape painting, Richard Askew and James Banford for figure painting, and William Billingsley and William Pegg for intricate florals.

But at the turn of the ninetieth century, with the death of William Duesbury II the company went into temporary decline, and with much of the assembled talent leaving and returning to London. This was reversed by the purchase of the company by Robert Bloor in 1811, with a return to quality and investment in design. Rich and elaborate services with lavish Imari inspired patterned, with the addition of piercing and raised gold, to create flamboyant pieces that appealed to the current tastes of Georgian and Victorian England, as well as around the world.

The company was renamed Crown Derby in 1775 when King George III granted the honour of incorporating a crown in the backstamp, but it wasn't until 1890 that it was given a royal warrant by Queen Victoria, and granted the title 'The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company'.

In 1964 the company become part of S. Pearson and Sons, and through several different acquisitions became part of the Royal Doulton Group. In 2000 it was bought out by Hugh Gibson and is now once more an independent and privately owned concern.

Royal Crown Derby continues to honour this legacy, producing exquisite bone china, made in England, with patterns rich is heritage. Paperweights were introduced in 1981, and have remained highly collectable ever since, with regular new introductions every year.