Our Heritage
∙ 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.
Some facts about us
FACTS IN NUMBERS
15,000
Pieces Made Per Week
300+
Product SKU's Available
20
Pairs of Hands can touch one product
5 Tonnes
Of Clay is used on the factory per week
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