Paragon

Paragon China, rather than a pottery in it's own right, was actually a trading name for the Star China company which was founded in 1897, as a partnership between Hugh Irving and the great grandson of the founder of Aynsley China Herbert Aynsley. They started to use the name Paragon in 1900, and in 1919 it became the company name; Paragon China Company Limited. It was in 1960 when Paragon started it's association with Royal Albert, when Thomas C Wild & Sons Ltd took over, paving it's way to become part of the Allied English Potteries Ltd in 1964. Paragon became part of Royal Doulton in 1972 and the Paragon brand was used until 1991 until being fully absorbed and replaced by Royal Albert in 1992. This is why some later Paragon patterns can also be found with a Royal Albert backstamp.