In 1750 artist Andrew Planche established the first china works in Derby. He had an enthusiasm for creating handmade figurines and these paved the way for the advancement of international porcelain. Planche was friends with William Duesbury, whose decorating skills met with Planche?s , which lead them to discover the commerciality of creating and embellishing fine bone china. Both men were catalysts for the Royal Crown Derby brand. With financing from a local businessman, they established the Nottingham Road factory, developing a standing for premium quality fine bone china.

In September 1761 they created a commemorative piece celebrating the coronation of King George III. Since then they have developed a relationship with the British royal family, supplying every British monarch since King George III. In 1775 King George III granted the honour of including the crown into the brand?s trademark stamp and it is featured on every piece of Royal Crown Derby.

William Duesbury passed away in 1786 and William Duesbury II inherited his business. When the Nottingham Road factory closed, six of their workers joined forces and established the Old Crown Derby China Works on King Street, Derby. They continued to sell many of the original patterns from the earlier factory due to high demand, but also established a reputation for handmade china flowers.

In 1875, two entrepreneurs, Phillips and Litherland, recognized an opening and established the Osmaston Works factory, this site remains the home of Royal Crown Derby. The factory began production as The Derby Crown Porcelain Company.

Royal acclaim continued in 1890 when they were appointed the manufacturers of porcelain to the Queen. Queen Victoria granted the use of Royal in the title and the brand became Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company.

On 31 January 1911, Royal Crown Derby was commissioned to supply the first-class dining suite on the Titanic and the correspondence with the ship?s glass and china retailer, Stonier & Co, remained in their museum today.

In 2012 Steelite International acquired Royal Crown Derby and their commitment to supply the hospitality trade drove the brand into a new world of fine dining, leading Royal Crown Derby to partner with prestigious hospitality brands worldwide. In 2016 Kevin Oakes acquired Royal Crown Derby and in 2017 Christopher Oakes became Managing Director.