Paragon China began as the Star China Co. (1899-1919), owned by Herbert James Aynsley, his brother John Gerard Aynsley and William Illingworth. The name Paragon was adopted as a trade mark in around 1900. They began production in Longton at the St. Gregory’s Works. Later the company formally became known as Paragon China Ltd. in 1919. The name was selected deliberately in reference to excellence and quality of product. Herbert Aynsley retired in 1927 and ownership of the business passed to Hugh Irving and his sons Leslie and Guy.
The company manufactured bone china wares between WWI and WWII and established a reputation for producing high quality tea and table wares. Nursery and toy wares were also a specialty having been part of the Star China product line since 1904. In the early 1920s new forms of decoration were used including gold printed patterns.
In the early 1930s the company introduced a new conical shape with stepped ribs (Duchess shape) in the art deco style. The company continued to produce during the second World War. By 1946 they had increased their range of products to include ashtrays, animal figures, nursery ware, egg cups and breakfast sets.
The Paragon company was fortunate enough to receive continued royal patronage, initially from the Duchess of York in 1926, then Queen Mary in 1933, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1938, and Queen Elizabeth in 1953.
Around 1960 the company was taken over by Thomas C. Wild and Sons Ltd. From Royal Albert, but continued to use the name Paragon Pottery. In 1972, Royal Albert and Paragon became part of the Royal Doulton Group. Under its own name, Paragon continued to produce with elaborate floral designs. By the end of the 1980’s, the company was incorporated within Royal Doulton and the name Paragon was discontinued.
There were many backstamps from 1899 to 1963. For more detailed backstamps please visit the Pargon International Collectors Club.
The company manufactured bone china wares between WWI and WWII and established a reputation for producing high quality tea and table wares. Nursery and toy wares were also a specialty having been part of the Star China product line since 1904. In the early 1920s new forms of decoration were used including gold printed patterns.
In the early 1930s the company introduced a new conical shape with stepped ribs (Duchess shape) in the art deco style. The company continued to produce during the second World War. By 1946 they had increased their range of products to include ashtrays, animal figures, nursery ware, egg cups and breakfast sets.
The Paragon company was fortunate enough to receive continued royal patronage, initially from the Duchess of York in 1926, then Queen Mary in 1933, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1938, and Queen Elizabeth in 1953.
Around 1960 the company was taken over by Thomas C. Wild and Sons Ltd. From Royal Albert, but continued to use the name Paragon Pottery. In 1972, Royal Albert and Paragon became part of the Royal Doulton Group. Under its own name, Paragon continued to produce with elaborate floral designs. By the end of the 1980’s, the company was incorporated within Royal Doulton and the name Paragon was discontinued.
There were many backstamps from 1899 to 1963. For more detailed backstamps please visit the Pargon International Collectors Club.
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