The redoubtable British ceramics maker Royal Doulton has long embraced popular tastes and enjoys a devoted following among aficionados of English pottery. Some are drawn to the company’s intricately decorated bone china dinner services; others are passionate collectors of Royal Doulton’s artfully hand-painted figurines, vases and bowls.
When founded by John Doulton, Martha Jones and John Watts in 1815, in the Lambeth section of suburban London, the manufacturer produced bottles and other storage containers and even sewer pipes in stoneware, a cheap but durable cousin of porcelain. Amid the Victorian era’s rising concern for hygiene, food safety and sanitation, the company flourished. During the late 1850s — having rebranded as Doulton & Watts and then Doulton and Co. — the firm was colloquially referred to as Doulton Ware. And in the late 1870s, it expanded its business into the applied arts.
The firm took over a factory in Staffordshire, in northern England — the traditional home of British ceramics manufacturing — to produce tableware. Around the same time, Doulton opened an art pottery studio in Lambeth, where vases, urns and other forms were decorated with painted scenic images, flowers or historical motifs.
Taking a cue from the venerable Meissen porcelain workshops in Germany, Doulton artisans began crafting figurines modeled on characters from literature and theater. The firm also helped popularize Toby Jugs and other “character mugs” — handled cups shaped as the heads of figures from folklore and popular culture. Doulton purchased a factory in Burslem in 1882, and King Edward VII granted the factory his Royal Warrant in 1901.
Royal Doulton china will always make an elegant yet not-too-formal appearance in a traditional table setting. Prices for dinner services vary according to size, age and condition, but generally range from $2,000 to $15,000.
Authentic Royal Doulton art pottery might be used by some as a bright decorative note; others collect the company’s figurines with the same interest and dedication as stamp and coin enthusiasts. A typical Toby Jug might fetch $50, while very rare figurines can sell for $7,000. Most of the finest Royal Doulton art pottery pieces sell for around $500.
As you will see on these pages, few decorative-arts companies are as aesthetically and stylistically diverse as Royal Doulton. The firm truly offers something for everyone.
Find Royal Doulton figurines, plates, vases and other collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.
Royal Doulton 3 Piece "Reynard The Fox" Chocolate Service, c. 1950-60
By Royal Doulton
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chocolate service consisting of tall light house chocolate pot, creamer, and open sugar container. Each piece bears the figure of a fox and is fitted with handles in the form of a ri...
Ceramic
Blue Royal Doulton and J.H. Middleton & Co Delphine Teacup and Saucer Set of 2
By Royal Doulton
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of two Royal Doulton China teacups and saucers. Glazed in a textured serpent texture around the rim, the saucers are decorated with fine hand...
Gold
$675
H 2.38 in Dm 4.5 in
Royal Doulton White Blue Gold Coffee or Tea Demitasse Cup & Saucer, circa 19th C
By Royal Daulton, Davis Collamore & Co Ltd. 1
Located in New York, NY
A very special English Royal Doulton for luxury retailer Davis Collamore & Co LTD, espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer set, ci...
Gold
Royal Doulton Egyptian Revival Porcelain Jardinière
By Royal Doulton
Located in Stamford, CT
Royal Doulton jardinière made during the Egyptian Revival period.
Porcelain
1920s German Silver Ten Piece Picnic Tea Service - Boxed
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German 935 standard silver ten piece picnic tea set/service - boxed; an addition to our silver teaware...
Silver
$995 / set
H 3.25 in Dm 5.75 in
William Moorcroft Pomegranate Patterned Art Pottery Teacup & Saucer Set #1 of 4
By Moorcroft Pottery
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This art pottery teacup and saucer set was done by the Moorcroft Pottery company of England in circa 1925 in their 'Pomegranate' pattern. Each duo is done in the Moorcroft signature ...
Pottery
44-Piece Royal Tuscan Gold and White Bone China Coffee & Tea Service
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined 44-piece Royal Tuscan service exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship for which English fine bone china is celebrated. Produced in England, the set features a crisp w...
Gold
Edwardian Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
By Williams Ltd
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver three piece tea service / set; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This fine antique Edwardian sterling silver tea service consists of a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug Each component has an oval rounded form to a plain oval collet foot. The lower portions of the teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl are embellished with embossed fluted ornamentation. The flared upper rim of the cream jug and sugar bowl, and shoulders of the teapot are ornamented with an impressive applied gadroon decorated border. The large teapot is fitted with a domed hinged hallmarked cover, which features further embossed convex fluted decoration. The cover is surmounted by the original carved oval fluted painted wood and sterling silver finial. The teapot retains the original plain angular carved painted wood handle with a carved scroll style thumbpiece. The cream jug and sugar bowl have plain angular sterling silver handles ornamented with subtle applied decoration. Condition This antique sterling silver tea service...
Sterling Silver
Pair of English Victorian Porcelain Teacups and Saucers
By Royal Worcester
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English Victorian white and brown porcelain tea cups and saucers with floral and leaf decoration (Royal Worcester) (PRICED AS PAIR)
English Victorian Porcelain Teacups and Saucers
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian blue, orange, and white porcelain tea cup and saucer (Royal Crown Derby)
Vallauris Coffee Service circa 1950
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Vallauris coffee service Circa 1950 9 items in all Ref :4494/1 Price : € 390 Vallauris, yellow and brown enamelled terracotta coffee set.
Terracotta
Silver Plate Five Piece Tea / Coffee Service
By Reed & Barton
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Silver plated five pieces tea and coffee service with exterior floral design details. Each piece is in great condition. Minor wear consistent with age / use. Maker's mark undersigned Reed & Barton "King Francis model number 1650-1654”. Set include Coffee pot 11-3/4 inches. Tea pot 10 inches. Covered sugar pot 7 inches. Creamer 6 inches & tea bag...
Silver Plate
$1,250 / item
H 8.5 in W 16 in D 15.5 in
Salvador Teran Copper Toned Brass & Terrazzo Tile 7 Piece Tea Service, 1950s
By Salvador Teran
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Mid-Century Mexican Modern solid brass and glass tile Mosaic coffee service by Salvador Teran. Reflective Copper toned 7-piece set. Featuring a handcrafted set, tile embellished Bras...
Brass
Victorian Sterling Silver Three Piece Tea Service
By Fenton Brothers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver three piece tea service, with Zodiac influence; part of our silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Victorian silver tea set...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Sold
H 8.5 in Dm 7.25 in
Royal Doulton Reynard Porcelain Coffee Service Set with Hand Painted Fox Motif
By Royal Doulton
Located in Middleburg, VA
Complete porcelain coffee service set by Royal Doulton includes coffee pot, sugar bowl, creamer, and 12 demitasse cups and saucers. Hand painted porcelain with foxes. Created by Roya...
Porcelain, Paint