Derby (England) items

Derby porcelain refers to the fine porcelain produced by the Derby factory in Derby, England, from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century with the exact start and authorship remaining uncertain. The production of porcelain in Derby actually predates the work by Andrew Planche and William Duesbury in 1756, who joined Andrew Planche and John Heath in creating the Nottingham Road factory, later known as Royal Crown Derby and it quickly became one of the leading porcelain manufacturers in England.

The early Derby porcelain was heavily influenced by the Meissen factory in Germany, and featured finely detailed, brightly colored painted scenes, often with ornate gilding. Some of the most popular early designs included figurines, tableware, and vases, which were often adorned with floral motifs, landscapes, and other decorative elements.

In the late 18th century, the factory began to produce more innovative designs, including the famous "Crown Derby" pattern, more... which featured a distinctive blue and gold color scheme. Other notable designs from this period included the "Imari" pattern, which incorporated Japanese-inspired motifs, and the "Old Paris" pattern, which was based on French designs.

During the 19th century, the Derby factory faced increasing competition from other porcelain manufacturers in England, and its production declined. In 1811, the factory was sold to Robert Bloor, who renamed it "Bloor Derby" and continued to produce high-quality porcelain. The factory closed after Bloor's death in 1846. less...