ag_084-085.qxp 8/9/07 2:09 PM Page 2 Having earned a reputation for excellence, creativity, skilled craftsmanship, and distinctiveness of design, Royal Doulton is valued for its sense of heritage and quality. Prized by collectors the world over, Royal Doulton has an international reach extending far beyond its English roots. THE MARKET 1901 King Edward VII, permits the company Withstanding market fragmentation, ceramic gift- to prefix its name with “Royal,” and the ware has seen considerable growth — gift-giving, company is awarded the Royal Warrant. home decoration, and investment being the main 1930s Royal Doulton is involved in the manu- motivations. Despite the introduction of many facture of figurines and giftware. alternative forms of gifts, ceramics are sought 1960 A new product, English Translucent China, after as offering true qualities of heritage, crafts- is introduced. Offering the translucent manship, and long-lasting value for the money. quality of bone china without the expense, Royal Doulton is a market leader within the this will later become known as Royal ceramics and chinaware markets, with a large Doulton Fine China. proportion of all English bone china being sup- 1966 The company becomes the first china plied by Royal Doulton, as well as almost half of manufacturer to be awarded the Queen’s the UK’s ceramic sculptures. Award for Technical Achievement, for its The key markets worldwide for premium contribution to china manufacturing. ceramic tableware and giftware are the United 1972 Royal Doulton is bought by Pearson Kingdom and Europe, North America, Asia and merged with Allied English Potteries Pacific, and Australasia. In total the global market — comprising the Royal Albert and is estimated to be worth more than $3.25 billion. Minton brands. 1993 Royal Doulton separates from Pearson ACHIEVEMENTS Each of the company’s principal brands — and becomes a publicly quoted company Royal Doulton is one of the world’s largest man- Royal Doulton, Minton, and Royal Albert — listed on the London Stock Exchange. ufacturers and distributors in the premium have a long association of royal patronage and 2006 Royal Doulton becomes part of the ceramic tableware and giftware market. With 200 hold at least one Royal Warrant. They are also Waterford Wedgwood Group. years of heritage, Royal Doulton is a thriving trademark registered. global organization, with around $188 million THE PRODUCT annual turnover, employing approximately 2,500 HISTORY Royal Doulton may be one of the oldest china- people across its production sites and numerous 1815 John Doulton begins producing practical ware companies in the world, but it is also one of distribution operations worldwide. The company and decorative stoneware from a small the most up-to-date. Focusing on the customer, currently operates in more than 80 different mar- pottery in Lambeth, South London. understanding its buyers, and creating products kets and has distribution companies in the United 1875 John Doulton’s son, Henry, relocates the that suit individual tastes and needs, it aims to States, Canada, Australia and Japan. Indeed, business to Stoke-on-Trent. stay ahead of contemporary trends. approximately half of all sales are generated out- 1884 Following the introduction of new tech- When drawing up new product design, Royal side the United Kingdom. niques, production of bone china begins. Doulton’s Design Studio studies the market, 84 .