The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain was established in 1878 but the business originated in about 1750. Queen Victoria granted permission to include the title "Royal" in the company name in 1890.

Many new shapes and decorative techniques were added to the traditional Derby styles. Raised gilding and piercing, together with the rich colours of Persian and Indian art all played an important role in developing and widening the appeal of the range.

The first Royal Crown Derby paperweights, five birds and a rabbit were launched in 1981. These models were to develop into one of the most important ranges of china figures that are avidly collected worldwide. Rich colours and intricate gilding remain the distinguishing features of Royal Crown Derby.