Tableware Blog — A Brief History

Paragon China was founded in 1897 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, originally operating as the Star China Company under Herbert Aynsley and Hugh Irving. Around 1900, the name “Paragon” began to appear on its wares, and by 1919, the business formally adopted the name Paragon China Company Ltd. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality bone china tea-ware, which it exported to markets across the British Empire. During the 1930s, Paragon expanded into dinnerware and introduced modern electric kilns, making it one of the first smokeless potteries in the area. The company enjoyed the prestige of royal recognition, supplying bespoke...

It is doubtful that when Jesse Carter bought up a broken down pottery site in Poole, Dorset in 1873, he had any idea of the impact this would have on the future of UK pottery. In the early years the business was tough and concentrated on architectural ceramics but also became well know for the quality and design of its production of decorative tiling. By the 1920's, now under the direction of Jesse's son Owen Carter, the pottery had become established in the production of innovative and colourful ceramics. In 1921, two established designers John Adams and Harold Stabler joined the Carter family business...

The tableware industry in the United Kingdom has undergone significant changes over the past 50 years. From advancements in manufacturing techniques to shifts in consumer preferences, the industry has adapted to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. In this blog post, we will explore the key transformations that have shaped the tableware industry in the UK. 1. Technological Advancements One of the most notable changes in the tableware industry is the introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies. With the advent of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), tableware manufacturers can now create intricate and precise designs with ease....

Wedgwood is one of the most popular manufacturers of fine china, tableware, porcelain and numerous luxury accessories. The company has been around since 1759, making it one of the oldest china and tableware companies in the country. It was created by Josiah Wedgwood. Just 6 years later, Wedgwood created a new type of creamware and that impressed even the British Queen consort who gave permission to have it called the Queen’s Ware. This product in particular sold very well all over Europe. In 1765 Wedgwood acquired Etruria, which was a large estate with a factory. They started to add numerous...

Hornsea Pottery was created in 1949 by two brothers named Desmond and Colin Rawson, with the help of funding from a local businessman named Philip Clappison. The company began with Plaster of Paris giftware for sale in Hornsea on the East Yorkshire coast. The original such product was a Toby Jug. By 1954 the company was already registered, had a factory and a staff of 64, which grew to 250 by 1974. Some of the earliest pieces created by the company were designed by Colin Rawson, and since those sold very well the Hornsea Pottery chose to move to larger...