Royal Doulton Porcelain

In 1815 John Doulton invested in a riverside Pottery in Lambeth, South London. Producing only utilitarian salt-glazed stoneware the business flourished. By 1826 the factory was operating under the name Doulton and Watts. After joining the business John’s son, Henry diversified into sanitary wares and gradually took over the company.

Shortly after, in what was to become a significant turning point for the factory, the Principal of the Lambeth Arts School approached Henry Doulton and encouraged him to employ the art schools graduated students. These artists included Florence and Hannah Barlow, George Tinworth and Frank Butler who upon employment, proceeded to decorate Doulton brown stoneware with wonderful designs.

These first works by the art students were displayed on Doulton’s stand and were hailed at the International Exhibition’s of Paris 1867, London 1871 and Philadelphia in 1876. The Lambeth Experiment at the Doulton factory was an important example for other English potteries as it narrowed the gap between art and industry and proved to strengthen the reputation of Doulton as one of the leading factories in British ceramics.

Around 1877 Thomas Pinder of Pinder, Bourne and Company at Burslem, Staffordshire, approached Henry Doulton with offer of a partnership. Thomas Pinder had aspirations of creating a world famous pottery yet he lacked business flair and the financial capacity, so a partnership with Henry Doulton was crucial. Still delighted by the results of the Lambeth experiment, Doulton was enthusiastic about the idea, and the collaboration went ahead. The name Pinder, Bourne and Co was retained until 1882 when it was changed to Doulton and Company Ltd.

The change of name saw Henry Doulton buy Thomas Pinder out and the Nile Street property was his. With Pinder out of the way Henry Doulton established John Slater and John Cuthbert Bailey as Artistic Director and General Manager. Their instruction was to encourage expression and a freedom of ideas amongst the artists. It was during this period that Slater developed a range that suited it’s present day Victorian taste. The range revived Moorish decorative themes with intricate gilding, flowers and arabesques on Ivory and Vellum grounds. Sometimes the pieces would have moulded Dragons and raised decoration. In later years John Slater would achieve immense praise and awards for these designs at various world exhibitions.

Slater and Bailey were also responsible for Doulton and Company’s diversification into Bone China. Seeing what the Sevres factory was producing in France and observing demand in America they advised Henry Doulton that a china-works was crucial for the pottery. Trusting his advisors and ever keen to expand Henry Doulton conceded and from 1884 fine bone china bodies were produced. To decorate the wares artists had been sought and employed from various Art Schools and other potteries and included names such as Robert Allen, Edward Birks, Fred Hancock, Edward Raby, and David Dewsberry.

During this period these artists produced some beautiful hand painted items. It was also at this time that Charles Noke, best known for his experimental glazes, joined Doulton and Company from Royal Worcester; he was later to become designer, head modeler and Art Director. Under these men apprentices such as Percy Curnock and Harry Titensor learnt the trade and developed their own styles. Henry Doulton had created an artistic empire; never before had so many talented artists collaborated and worked for the same company. At the Exhibitions of Paris in 1889 and Chicago in 1893 the Doulton exhibit was hailed and won many prizes. In 1897 Henry Doulton died and did not live to witness King Edward’s royal decree that the word "Royal" should now prefix the "Doulton" stamp on all wares.

During the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries at the Doulton factory there was an overabundance of new ceramic designs under Charles Noke. Among the accomplishments, of which there are too many to mention, was Kingsware, which proved, immensely popular. At the same time John Slater and Charles Noke worked on developing glazes that closely imitated ancient Chinese pottery. The result was Flambé, Chinese Jade, Chang and Sung Wares.

Figurines, Character and Toby jugs were further developed and dinnerware was released in a wide range of patterns that reflected the period. Nursery, Bunnykins and Series Wares were also produced in great proportions and depicted characters and themes. Charles Dickens and his stories were great influences. The Burslem pottery was closed in 1956 but after a series of mergers Doulton and Co remains one of the largest manufacturers of quality table, industrial and sanitary wares.

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