The Old Derby Pattern Books contain incomplete descriptions of the 770 tea ware patterns used during the so-called Duesbury II period from around 1782 to 1805.  Although there is a sketch or description of a great number of patterns, many are indistinct or missing. Thus no complete pictorial reference of the 770 patterns exists.

Most porcelain tea ware pieces produced at the Nottingham Road factory during the Duesbury II period carry the standard Derby crown, cross batons with dots and letter D mark. The mark is usually coloured in puce and underneath there is often a pattern number. However many pieces do not carry a pattern number and some were wrongly numbered. A small number of tea wares produced during the early Duesbury II period are decorated with patterns used during the earlier Chelsea Derby years. These often carry the cross batons mark in puce or blue, others have the crown and D mark in blue and many do not contain a pattern number. Conversely others carrying high pattern numbers date from the later Duesbury Kean period, they are usually marked in red and often contain no pattern number. On the other hand, a small number of tea wares produced at the factory were not given a number.

With the advent of the Internet and the digital camera, many images of Derby tea wares have appeared on websites. The purpose of this site is to try to reconstruct the Old Derby Tea Pattern Books in photographic form. This website is designed for academic purposes only and is not for any financial gain.

Many pieces illustrated on this website cannot be matched with any in the Pattern Books and are included on the unknown pattern page.  For ease of use, I have included separate pages for white and gilt decorated patterns, those decorated in blue and gilt, yellow ground patterns and patterns painted with reserves. Wherever possible on these additional pages, I have included different images and have included multiple images on the page devoted to painted reserves.

Many of the images on this website are my own. Permission to use others has graciously been given by a variety of friends, auction houses, publishers and museums. Images will be withdrawn at the request of any copyright owner.

Corrections and comments are welcome. I invite anyone to add an image of a missing pattern, or submit a better image than those posted. To do this please send an email to the address below, attaching any photographs you wish to contribute to the website. I will of course acknowledge any contribution should you wish and respect any confidentiality.

Dr Derek K Thomas

Email address: Derbyporcelain@gmail.com