Royal Doulton

Royal Doulton Bruce Oldfield Blue and White Tea Cup and Saucer

I found a set of six cups and saucers in the local charity shop. I have made a candle with one of them which was part of a gift for a wedding present. 

Paragon China

I picked up this wonderful trio of china at the local charity shop on Friday. 
I read online that this pattern was originally manufactured in 1981.  Paragon was owned by Royal Doulton at that point.

Paragon China was introduced by the Star China Co. in 1903. This company began production at the St Gregory's Works, Gregory Street in Longton in the last few years of the 19th century and moved to the Atlas Works, Sutherland Road, Longton in March 1903. The partners were initially Herbert James Aynsley, John Gerrard Aynsley and William Illingworth. Herbert was the eldest son of John, who founded the well-known firm of John Aynsley & Sons. He had gained much experience in the manufacture of good quality china, having been in business with his father for many years. John Aynsley retired in July 1900.

In 1907 Herbert Aynsley's youngest daughter married Hugh Irving, who was a sales representative for the Rubian Art Pottery Ltd in Longton. Irving subsequently joined his father-in-law as a partner in the Star China Company when Illingworth retired in 1910. Paragon china was so popular that in 1919 the company changed its name to become the Paragon China Company.

  In 1972, Paragon became part of Royal Doulton and continued to produce china under that name until 1991. My 1989 the name and patterns had been absorbed into Royal Albert and the Paragon name was discontinued by 1992.

Royal Doulton Pottery Marks

Looking at this pottery mark I would date it as:

1928 – 1973

It has a standard print mark but with the addition of BONE CHINA below the mark. Can also have FINE BONE CHINA or ENGLISH TRANSLUCENT CHINA.

I wonder if you agree?

The Doulton marks are many and varied but most follow the same theme. Dating Royal Doulton products from their Doulton marks means you sometimes have to check very carefully.

Royal Doulton Flower basket

A beautiful floral basket made by Royal Doulton.

Brief history of the company

Doulton & Watts (1815-1854)

John Doulton, born in London on 17th November 1793, was made an apprentice at the Fulham Pottery in 1805 and completed his apprenticeship in 1812. Doulton then found employment as a thrower at a small pottery in Vauxhall Walk, owned by a Mrs Martha Jones, (following the death of her husband), by a Mrs Martha Jones.

In 1815, John Doulton and John Watts (the pottery foreman) became partners in the business with Mrs Jones. The business traded as Jones, Watts & Doulton. The partnership was dissolved in 1820 when Mrs Jones retired and Doulton and Watts continued the business on their own account.

The company took the name Doulton & Co. in 1853 after the retirement of John Watts.

By 1871, Henry Doulton, John's son, launched a studio at the Lambeth pottery, and offered work to designers and artists from the nearby Lambeth School of Art. The first to be engaged was George Tinworth followed by artists such as the Barlow family (Florence, Hannah, and Arthur), Frank Butler, Mark Marshall and Eliza Simmance. In 1882, Doulton purchased the small factory of Pinder, Bourne & Co, at Nile Street in Burslem, Staffordshire, which placed Doulton in the region known as The Potteries.

(to be continued)