Royal Doulton Royal Doulton Message Board Discuss, Buy and Trade Royal Doulton with other collectors Royal Doulton dates back to 1815 when John Doulton became involved in a pottery in Lambeth, London. John's son Henry joined the firm in 1835 and the business expanded rapidly producing chemical and industrial ceramics. The success of their sanitary ware business enabled Henry Doulton to attempt more artistic interests. In 1867 he employed George Tinworth to establish an art pottery in Lambeth. Tinworth's work achieved great public attention and the firm grew substantially to employ 300 men by the 1880s. Royal Doulton figurines were first launched in 1913 when Darling (pictured left) modelled by Charles Vyse was named by Queen Mary during a visit to the factory. Since this date over 3000 different figures have been produced in variety of subjects from the traditional ladies to clowns and wizards. Charles Noke was the man behind revitalising the Staffordshire figure modelling tradition in the 1890s. However, the early models met with limited success. Today, Royal Doulton figurines are famous the world over continuing the excellent work first started by George Tinworth. There is an International Collectors Club which Royal Doulton enthusiasts can join. Membership benefits include: a complimentary joining gift which for 2006 is choice between the traditional Royal Doulton figurine 'Autumn Stroll' (pictured right), a Character Jug 'North Staffordshire Drummer Boy' (pictured left) and a Bunnykins figurine 'Clarissa the Clown ' (pictured below right - see Bunnykins page for more information); a quarterly magazine 'Gallery' containing news, features and product information; invitations to special events; and the opportunity to buy exclusive club figurines. Members are also entitled to consult a free historical enquiry service. It is possible to tour the Royal Doulton Factory at Burslem near Stoke-on-Trent, England. Tours are available Monday-Thursday and commence at 10.30am and 2.00pm. They cost 3.00 pounds per person, last about one and half hours, and due to stairs are not suitable for the elderly or disabled. There is also a free Museum 'The Sir Henry Doulton Gallery', and a Factory Shop. For more information about tours contact: UK 01782 292443 or 01782 292292. Royal Doulton Factory, Museum and Shop Nile Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST6 2AJ. NOTICE - This site is not affiliated with Royal Doulton plc TM. The purpose of these pages is to provide information to collectors of Royal Doulton figurines. Copyright 1996-2007 World Collectors Net site by lincs-on-line | hosted by ukhosts.com