A recent development at Deacons, is the amalgamation of the specialist china department and gift department under one roof at 15 Wood Street, alongside the main shop. The premises have been completely refurbished and a brand new shop-front made of granite adds to the building's character.

Once inside you will find just about every quality name you could imagine; Wedgwood, Waterford Crystal, Moorcroft, Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester. Lladro, Royal Copenhagen, Dresden and many other top brands and a very extensive selection of exclusive gifts. Whether you are a collector of something specific or just looking for a straight forward gift there is something for everybody.

Royal Doulton

Royal Doulton is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor in the premium ceramic tableware and giftware market. Its brands include Royal Crown Derby, Minton, Royal Albert, Caithness Glass, Holland Studio Craft, Royal Doulton Crystal and Royal Doulton itself.

Royal Doulton was founded in 1815 in Lambeth, south-east London, by John Doulton. Under the control of his son, Sir Henry Doulton, it became the foremost manufacturer of drainpipes and sanitary ware in Victorian times. In the 1860s Henry established one of Britain's first art studios, the Lambert Art Potter, whose salt-glazed stonewares became universally known as 'Doulton wares'. Work by Doulton Lambeth artists such as George Tinworth and Hannah Barlow are keenly collected today at auctions and antique fairs.

In 1877, the company came to Burslem, the 'mother town' of the North Staffordshire Potteries, and commenced manufacture of earthenware and, from 1884, bone china. In 1901, King Edward VII awarded the company the Royal Warrant and the specific right to use the title 'Royal'. Charles Noke, who became art director in 1914, introduced many of today's collectable ranges, notably Royal Doulton figures and animal models in 1913; Character and Toby Jugs in 1934, and the Bunnykins range of nurseryware also in 1934.

Today Royal Doulton products are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world and the company continues to be at the forefront of innovation in the ceramic industry.

Lladro, Valencia, Spain

Lladro was born in the mid-fifties, in a small artisan workshop, in the Valencian locality of Almacera.

From early days Juan, Jose and Vicente, who were the founding brothers, proved to have a formidable talent of the arts and found porcelain to be the ideal material to express their creative ideas. This is how artistic porcelain came to be the centre of their lives. Little by little they began to develop a collection of work thanks to its personality and perfection, and very soon acquired international recognition and appreciation.

Lladro is regarded all over the world as the greatest exponent of artistic porcelain, heir to a tradition that goes back to the great European manufacturers of the 18th century.

Moorcroft

Originally founded as a studio in 1897 within a large ceramic company, James Macintyre & Co, Moorcroft pottery soon made its mark on the world.

In the latter part of the twentieth century the world profile of Moorcroft has grown internationally, both in quality and in perceived value. Auctioneers Christies hold a dedicated Moorcroft sale each year. In 2001, Sotheby’s New York held a major sale comprising many pieces of Moorcroft pottery. The Victoria & Albert museum has joined many other national museums with significant pieces of Moorcroft pottery and enamels in their permanent collections.

With the skills and craftsmanship of a dedicated workforce, Moorcroft is selling more of its magnificent ware all over the world today, than it did even in its previous heyday in the mid-1920's.

Royal Copenhagen

Founded in 1775 as a private company with Royal patronage. It is said that Queen Julie Anne-Marie suggested the factory's trade mark (still presented on all pieces today) the three blue, wavy lines, depicting the waterways of Denmark. In 1779 it was taken over by the King and remained in Royal possession until it passed into private ownership in 1868, retaining its name and trademark.

The factory's world famous reputation in underglaze decoration was established under the young architect, Arnold Krog, appointed art director in 1885. The designers and artists took their inspiration and subjects from Danish nature still alive today. These were first introduced at the world exhibition in Paris 1889. About ten years ago the Royal Copenhagen Company, with George Jenson and Bing Grondahl, merged into one company under the ownership of Carlsberg Lager, but it still keeps its brand name. The present Queen Margarete takes a great interest, but it is part of a larger company know as "Royal Scandinavia".

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