John and Henry Doulton

John Doulton and his partner John Watts established a pottery and porcelain in Lambeth, [south London] in 1815. This was developed by his son Henry Doulton which became Britain’s leading manufacturer of sanitary wares as well as a major producer of art pottery. ”In 1877, Doulton took over the Nile Street Burslem factory of Pinder Bourne, where tablewares and Art Pottery were being produced.” The Lambeth Studio in London stayed until 1956, and since then Doulton production has been [focused ] concentrated in Burslem, which took over many of its “ rivals” both in industrial and decorative wares. Now the Royal Doulton group is the largest manufacturer of ceramics located in Britain.

In 1815, John Doulton was made partner by Martha Jones. Henry, John Doulton’s son, carried the tradition of the Lambeth pottery to its zenith. By this time, Queen Victoria became queen. Doulton was established and known as a manufacturer of domestic and industrial products in a fine stoneware body that became uncomparable with any in Europe. In 1882, Henry which was too be knighted by Queen Victoria, the first potter so honored. Later the Lambeth potter was looked as with little enthusiasm and favour by the proud and fullminded men of Staffordshire.

The development of The Doulton Company was uneasy at first and by no means profitable, and most men would have given up the struggle. Success that came from commercials and artists came to the factory through art wares made in earthenware and decorated in the [limited] range of colors which the body allows under its lead glaze. [Also, finding the bone china]. By 1884, Henry Doulton had permission to use the new body and to ”spread their artistic wings.” Soon they were surrounded by the most outstanding teams of all art models, decorators, painters and more in the world of ceramics. Their fame truly became international and fairly successful. In 1901, Kind Edward the seventh "conferred" the company the Royal warrant, ability and consent to use the title, "Royal." They won honors at the greatest exhibitions at Chicago, Paris, and more.

“The inter-war years saw the continued growth of the firm’s product range, of its renown prosperity and in America the name Royal Doulton became known as synonymous to the finest English china.” It was said by the overall results; conclusion or the second world war “a new spirit was abroad, risen.”