In 1877, the old Derby factory was torn down and a new one erected. The opening of the impressive Osmaston Road factory would be the beginning of the modern period of Derby porcelain.
Royal Crown Derby patterns became immensely popular during the Victorian era. As Victorians relished the romantic and lavish designs produced by the Royal Crown Derby factory.
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.
