Derby Porcelain

The proof of the quality of locally produced material is evidenced by the fact that Duesbury, then a known enameller in London, have paid considerably more for pieces manufactured in Derby than for figurines made by rival factories in Bow and Chelsea.

It was common at the time that dealers purchased white glazed porcelain from various manufacturers, and send it to enamelists like Duesbury to do the final finishing (enamelling and colouring).

Historians deduce that this "Derby Pot Works" was already in full operation around 1708, on behalf of a slipware tyg, containing the inscription John Meir made this cup 1708.

Heath was the banker who later would finance the construction of the Nottingham Road factory, and Rivett was Member of Parliament and Mayor of Derby in 1761, where one finds that Potworks' partners were wealthy and influential men in local society.

The quality of the porcelain pieces produced at Derby factory in 18th & 19th century were kept at a very high standards including the works of various artists for example William Billingsley & Quaker Pegg.