Paragon China Ltd

China manufacturers at the Atlas Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England

Originally as the Star China Company
In 1919 the company changed its name and from 1920 operated as the Paragon China Company.
The partners were Herbert James Aynsley and his Son-in-Law Hugh Irving.
Paragon China had continued royal patronage, initially from the Duchess of York in 1926 and continuing through Queen Mary, the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth.
1927 Herbert Aynsley retired and sole ownership of the business passed to Hugh Irving.
Hugh Irving's sons joined the busines, Leslie (1928) and Guy (1933).
The company was incorporated as Paragon China Ltd. in 1930.
Irving is said to have been a very astute businessman making the best of every opportunity afforded him. He introduced modern methods of publicity such as window display competitions for retailers and he organised events attended by celebrities of the day. These attracted much publicity in the national press, further encouraging shops to stock Paragon products.
By 1946 they had increased their range of products to include animal figures, breakfast sets, ashtrays, and eggcups.
Paragon China continued to be a family business, under the Irving family control, until 1960 when it was acquired by Thomas C Wld & Sons.
Paragon continued under its own name as part of the Wild group until 1964, and then as part of Allied English Potteries (1964 to 1972) and then as part of Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd.
Royal Doulton continued the use of the Paragon name, but by 1989 the name and patterns had generally been absorbed into Doulton's Royal Albert brand.
Doulton discontinued use of the paragon name from c.1991. Some Paragon patterns continued in production under Royal Albert until the Royal Albert name was discontinued by Doulton.

Announcement of Royal Warrant of Appointment 'to Her Late Majesty Queen Mary'

hand painted cup & saucer in the Hydrangea pattern
the registration number 766514 shows that
the pattern was registered in 1931

1920 to c.1932

Paragon China Co continued use of the
mark of the previous Star China Co
with the addition of 'Fine Bone China'

in 1933 a Warrant of Royal Appointment
was granted by Her Majesty The Queen (Mary)

this mark also appears without the word 'ROYAL'
- after receiving the Royal Warrant, Paragon China
had used the name 'Royal Paragon' - this is not
allowed under the terms of the Warrant and the
practice was stopped.

Paragon
By Appointment
H.M. The Queen & H.M. Queen Mary
Fine Bone China
England
Regd

By Appointment To
H.M. The Queen
China Potters
Paragon
China Ltd
Made in England
Reg'd L/L

By Appointment To
H.M. The Queen
China Potters
Paragon
Fine Bone China
England Reg'd

Paragon
Fine Bone China
Made in England
Paragon a member of the Royal Doulton Group

1953 map showing Paragon China on Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England
in the early 1950's a number of roads in Stoke-on-Trent were renamed to remove duplication across the city.
Ford Street was renamed ParagonRoad