Since then first opened in 1748 the Royal Crown Derby factory has been in Derby and it still is, decorates and gilds all of its products. Today 's artists continue a tradition that has seen skills handed down from one generation to another.
William Duesbury bought a share in the factory in 1756 His aim was to make the best porcelain for the most aristocratic of clients. In order to achieve this he set high standards and employed only the most talented of artists of the day.
Landscapes and seascapes, still life and floral studies, folklore and mythology were painted in exquisite detail by artists such as William Billingsley, Zachariah Boreman, the Brewer brothers, George Complin, George Robertson and William Pegg, the Quaker. Derby quickly earned an unsurpassed reputation for flower painting on china, With Billingsley, Pegg and later Moses Webster acknowledged as the finest artists - especially for the painting of roses.
Brilliantly painted the whole of the surface, brushed out small paint for emphasis.
Another innovation was the use of topical landscapes as a subject for china painting. Initiated by Boreman, his subjects were not ground country houses but views of the wild Derbyshire dales. Many examples of this can be seen in Royal Crown Derby museum collection - based at the factory.
Duesbury established principals such as plates, Derby Dwarfs and peacocks, or paperweights, only the very best is enough enough.
An increasing number of collectors are realizing the extent of the talent at Derby by commissioning bespoke designs. Recent contracts have included an impressive dinner service, with each of the dinner plates painted with a different racehorse, and a plate for presentation to the Royal Family.
Some of the most remarkable designs are commissioned for Derby Dwarfs. Standard inscriptions The Dwarfs have been commissioned for anniversaries, retirements and many other special events and the company has created unique designs to mark occasions such as Margaret Thatcher becoming the first woman prime minister.
Hand painting skills are used for many of Derby 's limited edition series such as plates inspired by Jane Austen' s favorite flowers and the Pemberley Vase, named after Mr Darcy & # 39; s House in her novel, Pride and Prejudice.
From the 18th century Derby 's directors have strived to get a balance factory. Company designers, artists and sculptors are encouraged to evolve new techniques by working with external potters and ceramicists. Recently the design team has been working with Ken Eastman, a potter with an international reputation and artist Angela Verdun has been commissioned by Royal Crown Derby to create a large decorative design, with a Derby theme, for a new arts center which is due to open in the center of Derby during 2008.
Derby paperweights were launched in 1981 with five birds (a wren, owl, duck, quail and penguin) and a rabbit. Except for 1982 and 1984, new paperweight designs have been introduced every year and the collection continues to be very popular.
Today 's modellers and designers include John Ablitt, Mark Delf, Louise Adams, Tien Manh Dinh, Jane James and Sue Rowe, and their work is well known. New names that have come on board are Donald Brindley, Hilary Walker and Carmen Roome and their fresh interpretations are ensuring that paperweights continue to evolve.
Imari designs are based on traditional Japanese porcelains decorated in underglaze blue with overlgaze iron red and gilding, with patterns inspired by traditional brocades. These porcelains were originally exported to Europe via the port of Imari in Japan and they have been known as Imari. The Derby factory created numerous tableware based on this oriental look from the 18th century onwards, so that by mid 19th century Imari and Derby were seen as one.
Colors are chosen carefully and recent technical developments have led to a greater palette, and this means that a greater variety of animals can be added to the range.
There are a Royal Crown Derby Collectors & # 39; Guild who members can enjoy free gifts and advance notice of new pieces coming out.
In 2008 it is the Chaffinch, which was originally modeled by Robert Jefferson, who created all early pieces. The new decoration is designed by Sue Rowe and this should prove a very popular piece.
2008 also sees the introduction of the popular pet and the first two pets are the modeled by John Abblit and he has created a complex design, which has been inspired by South American motifs.
Royal Crown Derby has been marked with a cipher to identify the collection since 1880. Paperweights made in 2008 carry the Roman numerals MMVIII. In 1981 the cipher was XLIV (44). The system continued sequentially increasing by one each year until 1999, which the number was LXII (62). In 2000 the new system began using the numerals coinciding with the year, making it much simpler to work out the year of production.
