In 1750, the doors of the Chelsea Works factory opened.
The factory brought industry to the small town of Derby and helped the town prosper. As the companys figurines and dinnerware became popular throughout Europe, the Chelsea Works began attracting some of the most skilled artists of the day.
The Royal Crown Derby story is one of changing fortunes through chaning times and changing tastes.
Derby began some time before 1750, when the Huguenot, Andrew Planche, established the first china works in Derby. His beautiful figures led to a link with William Duesbury, who eventually became the guiding light in a very successful partnership manufacturing china of the highest quality.
In 1981 the first Royal Crown Derby paperweights, five birds and a rabbit, were launched at a reception at Chatsworth House.
The Derby paperweight models were to develop into one of the most important ranges of china figures in the world of collecting.
In 2002 the Royal Crown Derby paperweight range celebrated its 21st birthday, releasing a special stopper for the year, and a new collection of five birds and a rabbit.
