Royal Crown Derby

The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company is a porcelain factory, based in Derby, England. The company has produced tableware and ornamental items for over 250 years.

History

The Derby porcelain factory opened some time before 1750: the exact date of the company's foundation is not known. An entrepreneur named Andrew Planche migrated from France to England to escape the religious suppression of the Huguenots during the early 1700’s. After settling in England, Planche decided to open a porcelain factory. He formed a partnership with William Duesbury (a wealthy English merchant) and the two men began work on a factory in Derby. Derby is located on the River Derwent near the River Trent, which forms an easy connection to the centre of the English pottery industry at Stoke-on-Trent. Proximity to the river allowed Duesbury and Planche easily to import and export raw materials as well as finished products. Additionally, Derby was known for its prolific silk trade and as a haven for artists.

In 1750, the doors of the Chelsea Works factory were opened. The factory brought industry and prosperity to the small town of Derby. As the company’s figurines and dinner services became popular throughout Europe, the Chelsea Works began to attract some of the most skilled artists of the day. Figure painting was done by Richard Askew and James Banford. Zachariah Boreman and John Brewer were hired to paint landscapes, still-lifes, and pastorals. Intricate floral patterns were designed and painted by Willima Billingsley and William Pegg. Under the remarkable guidance of this design team, the company established its reputation for excellence in design, quality, and craftsmanship.

In 1770, William Duesbury fully acquired the famous Chelsea Works factory from his partner. He continued to work to grow his small porcelain business. In 1775, Duesbury’s hard work was rewarded by King George III, who granted him the honour of being allowed to incorporate His Majesty’s crown into the Derby backstamp. The company then became known as Crown Derby.

In 1786, William Duesbury died. The company passed to his son, William Duesbury II. Because he was educated and raised close to the porcelain business, William made an excellent director. He set to work developing a number of new glazes and body types. Unfortunately, William Duesbury II died in 1797 at the age of 34. The company passed to Michael Kean, and the reputation of the Derby name began to decline. Many eminent artists working at the Derby factory left in pursuit of other opportunities during this period.

In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the Derby name, leadership was passed to William Bloor in 1811. Bloor had a reputation as a shrewd business man. He was also recognized as an art lover with an appreciation for works that were richly coloured and elegantly styled. Under his leadership, the company began designing brightly coloured Japanese imari patterns. These lines often featured intricate geometric patterns layered with various floral designs. New artists were hired as the company set about to restore itself to its former glory.

In 1877, the old Derby factory was torn down and an impressive new one erected in Osmaston Road, the opening of which was to be the beginning of the modern period of Derby porcelain. Crown Derby’s patterns became immensely popular during the Victorian era, as the Derby factory's romantic and lavish designs exactly met the popular taste of the period. In 1890, Queen Victoria appointed Crown Derby to be “Manufacturers of porcelain to Her Majesty” and by Royal Warrant granted them the title "The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company".

In 1964, Royal Crown Derby was acquired by S. Pearson and Son and became part of the Allied English Potteries Group, later to be joined by Royal Doulton. In the year 2000, Hugh Gibson, a former director of Royal Doulton and a member of the Pearson family, led a buy out, allowing Royal Crown Derby once again to be an independent and privately owned concern.

In 1981, the company introduced a line of paperweights which have become immensely popular. Rich colours and intricate gilding remain the distinguishing features of Royal Crown Derby, who also continue to produce patterns in the imari style. Fine dinnerware dealers world-wide carry many of these patterns, including Old Imari, Traditional Imari, Red Aves, Blue Mikado, and Olde Avesbury.

The present Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company remains a privately owned limited company, and employs about 300 people in the manufacture of fine [bone china]], still in its factory on Osmaston Road in Derby.

External link

• Official website