Paragon China

Paragon China

The Paragon China Company was a British manufacturer of bone china from 1919 to 1960, based in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, previously known as the Star China Company, and more recently part of the Royal Doulton group. Paragon was noted for producing high quality teaware and tableware, and was granted royal warrants by several members of the British Royal Family.

History

The Star China company was founded in 1897 as a partnership between Herbert Aynsley (great-grandson of the founder of Aynsley China) and Hugh Irving, trading until 1919, and using "Paragon" as a trade name from about 1900. In 1919, after Aynsley's retirement the company name was changed to Paragon China Company Limited. Irving's two sons subsequently became managing directors of the business.

In its early history the firm manufactured tea and breakfast wares, exporting to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. However in the 1930s, Paragon expanded both its market, to include the Americas, and its range of products to include dinnerware. Also at this time, Paragon began its move towards creating a smokeless factory, installing electric kilns.

The 1960s saw the company change hands several times, owned for a while by T.C. Wild, then forming part of Allied English Potteries, then becoming part of Royal Doulton.

The Paragon name has been retained, mainly with designs based on traditional floral patterns. Unfortunately the early Paragon pattern books are presumed lost, however the Royal commemorative designs are still sought by collectors.

Royal warrants

* 1926 - The Duchess of York (Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) commissioned china for the nursery of Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II). This pattern is known as "Two for Joy", originating from the English number rhyme "One for sorrow, Two for joy" associated with magpies, and the legend that two magpies were seen at the christening of Princess Elizabeth.

* 1930 - The Duchess of York commissioned a tea service to mark the birth of Princess Margaret Rose (later Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon). This pattern also has two birds, as well as marguerite and rose flower designs, referring to the given names of the princess.

* 1933 - Queen Mary granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment

* 1938 - Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment

* 1953 - Queen Elizabeth II granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment

References

* [http://www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/museums/museum/2006/collections/ceramics/information-sheets/paragon-china.en;jsessionid=aE9-F3rFQWRg Stoke-on-Trent museum research resource]
* [http://www.thepotteries.org/features/paragon1956.htm Paragon China Ltd., Longton] , article from "British Potters and Pottery Today", by Cyril G. E. Bunt, 1956

External links

* [http://www.paragoncollector.org.uk/ Paragon International Collectors Club Website] , last updated July 26, 2004
* [http://www.search.exploringthepotteries.org.uk/engine/theme/default.asp?theme=633 Paragon pieces to explore online]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Paragon — is a word that means ideal: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal; a perfect embodiment of a concept. Also, in modern fantasy it is typically a synonym of paladin or templar, a holy defender of justice and of divine… …   Wikipedia

  • China Airlines — B747 400 IATA CI …   Wikipedia Español

  • China Airlines — Not to be confused with Air China, the flag carrier of the People s Republic of China. China Airlines Co., Ltd. 中華航空股份有限公司 IATA CI ICAO CAL …   Wikipedia

  • Churchill China — PLC Type Public Limited Company Industry Ceramics Founded 1795 Headquarters …   Wikipedia

  • Once Upon a Time in China III — Film poster Traditional 黃飛鴻之三獅王爭霸 Simplified …   Wikipedia

  • Islam in China — The Huaisheng Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world, built by Muhammad s maternal uncle, Sa d ibn Abi Waqqas …   Wikipedia

  • Once Upon a Time in China II — Japanese film poster Traditional 黃飛鴻之二男兒當自強 Simplified …   Wikipedia

  • Once Upon a Time in China IV — Film poster Traditional 黃飛鴻之四王者之風 Simplified …   Wikipedia

  • Once Upon a Time in China V — Film poster Traditional 黃飛鴻之五龍城殲霸 Simplified …   Wikipedia

  • The Rev — The Reverend Tholomew Plague The Rev en 2007 Surnom Jimmy Sullivan, The Rev Nom James Owen Sullivan Naissance 10 févri …   Wikipédia en Français

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”