Royal Worcester

A brief history of Royal Worcester pottery

Royal Worcester began as an innovative porcelain manufacturer and is still producing today as part of the Portmeirion Group, alongside Portmeirion and Spode.

In 1751 Doctor John Wall and William Davies, a chemist, developed a unique method of making porcelain
In 1752 they obtain investment for a new factory at Warmstry House, Worcester, on the banks of the River Severn
In 1756 engraver Robert Hancock invents the process of transfer printing on porcelain
In 1789 King George III awarded Worcester its first Royal Warrant
In 1851 the company is named Worcester Royal Porcelain Company
In 1862 the company is named Royal Worcester
In 1976 Royal Worcester and Spode come under shared ownership
In 2009 the company is purchased by Portmeirion Pottery