We are currently building a Gazetteer about the engravers, printers, and makers of ceramics mentioned in this online exhibition. Click on the first letter of the surname you are looking for, if the name isn't in the list, check back again we will be updating this section regularly.
Derby (Maker)
The Derby porcelain factory was set up about 1750 and initially concentrated mainly on figures. Useful wares were probably not produced in quantity until 1756 and printing seems to have been introduced later, under the influence of Richard Holdship, after he had left Worcester in 1759. In 1764 he signed an agreement with William Duesbury and John Heath of Derby to disclose to them the secrets of transfer printing. However, he seems to have had an earlier involvement with Derby as a mug, apparently made for the 1761 coronation, is signed with Holdship's anchor rebus and the name DERBY. Holdship's printing at Derby whether overglaze or underglaze was never as good as on Worcester porcelain.
Porcelain production in Derby has a long and complicated history and the Royal Crown Derby factory is still in production today.
For Derby porcelains click here
References
Barrett & Thorpe, Derby Porcelain, Faber (1971)
Anneke Bambery Derby Porcelain International Society Journal 5, pp13-32, (2004)