Derby Porcelain Manufactory

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The Derby Porcelain Manufactory was one of England's earliest and most important porcelain producers, with production dating from the mid-1740s. André Planché, a Huguenot immigrant from Saxony, began making soft-paste porcelain figures in Derby around 1747. William Duesbury formalized the business in 1756, and under his leadership the factory proclaimed itself "the second Dresden."

Derby's golden era produced some of the finest porcelain figurines in English ceramic history. Planché's early figures are especially prized for their unique sense of motion, with characters seeming to swirl and lift off their bases. Duesbury aggressively expanded by purchasing failing competitors, including the Chelsea factory in 1770. In 1890, Queen Victoria granted a Royal Warrant, and the company became Royal Crown Derby. Our collection includes 4 works at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Sculptures by Derby Porcelain Manufactory

4 sculptures catalogued with museum locations. Browse all sculptures

Sculpture

Allegorical Figure of Africa

Derby Porcelain Manufactory, 1770

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

Museums with Derby Porcelain Manufactory's Work

1 museum displays Manufactory's works. Click any museum to see visiting info and the specific works they hold.

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

4 works on display

Allegorical Figure of Europe

Allegorical Figure of America

About Derby Porcelain Manufactory

Production began around 1747 with André Planché making soft-paste porcelain figures. William Duesbury formalized the business in 1756, and the factory eventually became Royal Crown Derby in 1890.

Derby is famous for its porcelain figurines, especially the early pieces by Planché that show a distinctive sense of motion. The factory was also one of the first English producers to rival Continental European porcelain.

The Art Institute of Chicago displays examples. The V&A in London and the Derby Museum and Art Gallery in England hold extensive collections.