Full Company information and about Us

Since 1888, Duchess China have been manufacturing classically designed patterned ranges of Fine Bone China products in Stoke-on-Trent, England the Heart of the Worlds ceramic industry.

Over one hundred and thirty years of experience in producing beautiful dinnerware, teaware and giftware, is reflected in the outstanding quality and sheer variety of the Duchess products and ranges.

Traditional designs and shapes are now enhanced, with the ability to design from start to finish fully bespoke individual products and ranges. Utilising fully in-house controlled manufacturing processes, all using fully sustainable materials and processes.

Our current and historical expertise in production of Fine Bone China ensures our products are known throughout the world.

∙ 1888-1904 ∙

The early embers of the original production from the current factory location dates back to 1888 with the trading name of the Dresden Porcelain Company which produced china tea and breakfast services for the home and overseas markets.

∙ 1905-1935∙

In 1905 the original Dresden Porcelain company was taken over by the Blyth Porcelain Company and carried on producing china teaware under their backstamped wares of Diamond China by Blyth.

∙ 1935-1968 ∙

In 1935 the porcelain company was taken over by A.T. Finney and Sons who also owned Blue Bell Pottery in an adjacent factory. The Finneys produced fine bone china teawares under the Duchess backstamp this name has been synonymous over the last 85 years with Duchess China and as we still know it today.

∙ 1968-1989 ∙

The end of 1968 saw a new susidary company formed A.T. Finney & Sons (export) Ltd this was to help with the expansion of the fine bone china tableware and teaware being sold overseas into many export markets.

∙ 1989-1999 ∙

In 1989 A.T. Finneys was sold to a local earthenware manufacturer the John Tams Group which would further enhance the UK and export markets for the strong Duchess China brand, unfortunately with the rise of cheap imports the Tams Group ceased trading.

∙ 1999-2019 ∙

1999 Grimwades Ltd who also owned the Royal Winton brand name purchased the Duchess factory out of administration and continued the history of producing fine bone china and teaware and tableware.

∙ 2019 - Present ∙

Early 2019 saw the current owners Jason Simms and Andrew Tooth (a former Duchess employee from the mid 90's) whose wealth of experience running and growing Heraldic Pottery for 20 years saw Duchess as a perfect fit to expand both businesses.

About Us

MANUFACTURING QUALITY FINE BONE CHINA IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SINCE 1888