The Royal Crown Derby Company first opened in the mid 1700s and has been in operation ever since. Today, as then, its artists make and decorate all of their products. Many of them are part of a family tradition, that has been handed down through the generations.

Ever since the factory was purchased in 1760 by William Duesbury the purpose of the company has been to make only the best porcelain items for the most discriminating clients. Exacting standards were set in place, and are still held to today.

The current catalogue boasts a dizzying variety of pieces with a widely varying number of designs. Just look at this selection - and this is just from the first page of their web site!

Royal Crown Derby Paperweights – all exquisitely painted in incredible detail:

Silver Tabby Kitten, Silver Tabby Cat, Bramble Hedgehog, Faie Isle Orca Whale, Old English Rabbit - Grey,Old English Rabbit - Blue, Violet Budgerigar, Yellow Wagtail, Baby Zebra, Twilight Owl

These things have to be seen to be believed. The finish is highly polished, and created using only the finest materials and processes. Derby has only been making paperweights since 1981, with an initial series that featured birds. Since then, they have introduced new paperweight designs every year, and the collection is now quite extensive.

Derby employs some of the most respected porcelain designers in the industry, and they contribute the total measure of their artistic and craft skills to make these the most beautiful pieces you will have in your collection.

Paperweight decoration is primarily based upon the Japanese Imari porcelain style. The process dictates that the piece is coated in an under glaze, usually blue. Then an over glaze iron red is applied, and the patterns used are based on traditional Japanese patterns. These processes were originally imported into Europe in the 17^th century.

Derby incorporated the techniques into its products in the 128^th century, and since then Imari design and derby porcelain has become synonymous. Derby adjusts the designs to suit the subject, including feathers, fur, teeth or other animal features using an ever-expanding variety of materials and techniques.

In 2008 they introduced their “Pet Collection” featuring the Guinea Pig and Hamster. Designer John Abbot has produced some unusual and beautiful pieces to launch this collection, and future editions are widely anticipated.

Collecting the Derby paperweights is becoming more and more popular, as the collection expands with many limited edition pieces.

Pocket Watches Guide
Trinket Boxes
Paperweights for Decor
The History of Paperweights
Royal Crown Derby Paperweights