Paragon China Ltd specialised in the design and manufacture of fine bone china products. It is historically known for producing high-quality tableware and decorative items, recognised for elegant patterns and craftsmanship. Over time, Paragon became known for producing high end wares and received royal patronage and warrants.

• Originally started in 1899 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 business, 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.

Paragon
Fine Bone China
Made in England
 
the sugar bowl carries 
this back stamp

the teapot has the name of
the wholesaler
Alfred B Pearce & Co 
who were London based China & Glass Merchants

cup & saucer in the popular Tapestry Rose pattern

Paragon produced a number of patterns on a rose theme, including: Morning Rose, Bridal Rose, Victoriana Rose, Moss Rose.

One of the most popular was Tapestry Rose. 

In 1960 the business of Paragon China was acquired by the Wild Group and for a brief period (1960-63) manufacture of the Tapestry Rose pattern was undertaken by Roslyn China who were already an established part of the Group.  

It is unsure if Paragon continued to produce the Tapestry Rose pattern either during or after the Roslyn China manufacture. 

examples of marks on Paragon 
Tapestry Rose ware

 
Paragon
Fine Bone
China
Made in 
England

1920 to c.1932 

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

the registration number 693650 shows
that the pattern was registered in 1922

- more on registration -

this mark was used c. 1913-19 by the previous company of Star China Co