Star China Co

Star China Co

Location and period of operation:

Star China Co

Longton

1899

1919

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

Originally at the St. Gregory's Works until 1903 and then at the Atlas Works.
In 1903 the company introduced the trade name PARAGON CHINA.
The partners were William Illingworth together with Herbert James Aynsley and John Gerrard Aynsley (the elder sons of John Aynsley, of John Aynsley & Sons Ltd)
In July 1900 John Gerrard Aynsley retired from this business to concentrate on the main Aynsley family business.
1907 Herbert Aynsley's youngest daughter married Hugh Irving, who was a sales representative for the Rubian Art Pottery Ltd in Longton.
In 1910 William Illingworth retired from the business and Hugh Irving (the son-in-law of Herbert James Aynsley) became a partner.
In 1919 the company changed its name to the Paragon China Company.

Subsequently: Paragon China Company

The London Gazette
31 July 1900

notice that John Gerrard Aynsley had retired from the business

Star China Co., manufacturers of china (speciality, patent safety cups, for hotels and ships, tea, dessert, and fancy goods), Atlas Works, High Street. Telephone, 18. Telegrams: "Star," Longton. Proprietors: H. J. Aynsley and Wm. Illingworth.

from..... 1907 Staffordshire Sentinel
'Business Reference Guide to The Potteries, Newcastle & District'

tea set with bird decoration, cobalt blue and gilt border

teapot by the Star China Co

green transfer ware trio

trio in the MONA pattern

trio with cobalt blue and gilt border

cup and saucer in a floral pattern of roses and forget-me-knots
with cobalt blue panels and gilt edging

Roses, especially red ones, are romantic symbols of love, passion, and devotion. Forget-me-nots symbolise enduring love, loyalty, and remembrance, representing a promise to always remember and cherish someone, even in their absence.