Royal Worcester - Shop
Royal Worcester is a porcelain brand based in Worcester, England. It was established in 1751 and is believed to be the oldest or second oldest remaining English porcelain brand still in existence today, although this is disputed by Royal Crown Derby, which claims 1750 as its year of establishment.
Royal Worcester is well known for its use of forms and shapes of decoration based around the Georgian Period of the 1700’s. Rich items were created by many hands from designer, modeller to mould maker, crafter and gilder but often it is only the painter who is given the credit. Artists were encouraged to specialise and develop individual styles for their pieces.
The favourite patterns of the early 20th century were coloured flower borders, Willow pattern, and Blue Dragon
After the first World War, Royal Worcester realised that it had to face the future and several new styles were tried with varying degrees of success and the company narrowly escaped closure. It was bought in its entirety in the 1930’s by successful businessman and entrepreneur William Dyson Perrins.
Traditional skills were maintained into the 20th Century and bespoke dinner and tea services and ornamental items of the highest quality were made for individual customers including Queen Elizabeth II and many foreign royals. Worcester also continued to produce porcelain and fine bone china for many prestigious hotels and institutions such as Claridges, The Dorchester, The Savoy, The Ritz, Raffles, The Ford Motor Company, The Houses of Parliament, BBC, Aspreys and Tiffanys.
In 2006, tableware production ceased in Worcester and the bulk of porcelain and china was made under contract abroad. In 2009, the Royal Worcester name was purchased by Portmeirion and the Worcester factory site and shops were closed.
