Imari: The Jewel in the Derby Crown
Derby, a city renowned for its rich history, has long been the home of a diverse array of iconic achievements. From its railway legacy to the world-famous Rolls Royce, Derby claims its rightful place as the “World’s Ale Capital.” Of course, fans of Derby County are proud of the club’s storied past. However, one of Derby’s hidden gems often goes unrecognised: its role as the birthplace of England’s oldest porcelain manufacturer.
Founded around 1750 as ‘Derby Porcelain,’ the company became known as ‘Crown Derby’ in 1773. In 1890, the addition of ‘Royal’ by George III in recognition of the company’s excellence, alongside the Royal Crown backstamp, cemented the brand’s place in history.
Over the years, many pieces have stood out to collectors, but none have taken the spotlight quite like the Imari pattern. Though Imari was originally a port town in Japan’s Kyushu Island, its connection to Derby goess back to the late 19th century. While Imari itself hails from Arita, a nearby town in Japan known for its porcelain, it was the Osmaston Road factory in Derby where this design truly came to life.
Originally called the Dewsbury pattern of 1775 the Imari style became synonymous with Royal Crown Derby in 1882. It quickly became the preferred design for tea and dinner services, symbolising the highest quality porcelain made in Derby.
This signature pattern, featuring intricate designs in blue and red with gold embellishments, captured the attention of the wealthy elite of late Georgian and Victorian England. In fact, owning a collection of Imari China was a common way for families to display their status and wealth.
Keen collectors should look for signs of quality, including specific colour variations and markings. A scratch through the backstamp was often used to denote lower-quality pieces, creating a distinction between first and second-quality items. Additionally, subtle shifts in colour over time—such as the paler blue paint used in the early 20th century—can help identify a piece’s age.
The Imari pattern from Royal Crown Derby is a lasting tribute to the craftsmanship and dedication that has long been at the heart of Derby’s heritage.
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