William Duesbury

British potter

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June 25, 2026

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William Duesbury was a British potter who established a significant porcelain factory in Derby, England, around 1756. His factory aimed to rival the renowned Dresden porcelain and produced finely modeled figures and decorative serviceware, often inspired by Chelsea and Meissen styles.1

Duesbury also purchased the Chelsea porcelain works in 1770, which influenced a shift in his factory's designs towards Neoclassical styles. During the late 18th century, Derby wares became known for their excellent painting, and unglazed biscuit figures, inspired by Sèvres, were particularly prized. Duesbury's innovations contributed to the development of English porcelain production.21

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pottery
18th-century developments
…first mastered the technique was William Duesbury. Established as a decorator in London by 1751, he concentrated on painting porcelain, but he also seems to have overglaze-painted stoneware from Staffordshire. Some extant brilliantly painted figures are probably from his studio. A little earlier than Duesbury’s overglaze-painted figures are the uncoloured…
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…first mastered the technique was William Duesbury. Established as a decorator in London by 1751, he concentrated on painting porcelain, but he also seems to have overglaze-painted stoneware from Staffordshire. Some extant brilliantly painted figures are probably from his studio. A little earlier than Duesbury’s overglaze-painted figures are the uncoloured…
Read More

pottery
Porcelain
The factory was bought by William Duesbury of Derby (see below) in 1770 and entered a phase known as the Chelsea-Derby period. The Neoclassical style was introduced together with the figure in biscuit porcelain made fashionable by Sèvres. It closed finally in 1784.
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The factory was bought by William Duesbury of Derby (see below) in 1770 and entered a phase known as the Chelsea-Derby period. The Neoclassical style was introduced together with the figure in biscuit porcelain made fashionable by Sèvres. It closed finally in 1784.
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Derby ware
In 1756 William Duesbury established another factory at Derby. Advertising itself as “the second Dresden,” it produced finely modeled, palely coloured figures often imitative of Chelsea (with which it was often confused) and Meissen wares. Flowers and colourful insects were favourite decorations of the serviceware. After Duesbury…
Read More
In 1756 William Duesbury established another factory at Derby. Advertising itself as “the second Dresden,” it produced finely modeled, palely coloured figures often imitative of Chelsea (with which it was often confused) and Meissen wares. Flowers and colourful insects were favourite decorations of the serviceware. After Duesbury…
Read More