The ‘Queen Anne’ mark is a distinctive trademark in the world of British ceramics, representing an elegant and timeless style of fine bone china. Its history is linked to several prominent pottery manufacturers, reflecting the changing dynamics of the British pottery industry in the 20th century. Here’s a detailed history of the Queen Anne mark based on the provided timeline:
1. Introduction of the Queen Anne Mark (Circa 1950)
The ‘Queen Anne’ mark was introduced around 1950 by Shore & Coggins Ltd., a renowned pottery manufacturer based in Longton, Staffordshire. At this time, the company had already established itself as a producer of high-quality ceramics. The Queen Anne mark was associated with fine bone china, particularly tea sets, which became popular in the post-war period. These pieces were characterized by their delicate floral patterns, elegant gilding, and sophisticated craftsmanship, appealing to a global market, including consumers in the United States and the Commonwealth.
2. Closure of Shore & Coggins and the Edensor Works (1966)
The Queen Anne mark was used by Shore & Coggins until the closure of its Edensor Works in 1966. This marked the end of an era for the original creators of Queen Anne china. The Edensor Works, located in the heart of Staffordshire’s pottery industry, had been instrumental in producing some of the finest ceramic pieces under the Queen Anne brand. However, by the mid-1960s, economic pressures and changing market demands led to the closure of many traditional pottery manufacturers, including Shore & Coggins.
3. Transfer of the Queen Anne Trade Name to Allied English Potteries Ltd.
After the closure of Shore & Coggins, the Queen Anne trade name did not disappear. Instead, it was retained by Allied English Potteries Ltd., a conglomerate of pottery companies. Allied English Potteries saw value in preserving the Queen Anne name, given its established reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Under Allied English Potteries, the Queen Anne mark continued to be used, ensuring the brand’s survival during a time when many traditional British pottery makers were struggling or ceasing operations.
4. Use by Ridgway Potteries
As part of Allied English Potteries, Ridgway Potteries—another prominent name in the ceramics industry—continued to produce items under the Queen Anne mark. Ridgway was known for its ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques, helping to keep the Queen Anne brand relevant and competitive in a changing market. Ridgway Potteries contributed to the brand’s legacy by maintaining the high standards of quality associated with the Queen Anne mark, especially in the production of tea and dinnerware.
5. Continued Use by Royal Doulton (1981)
By 1981, the Queen Anne mark was still in use, this time under the auspices of Royal Doulton, one of the most famous and prestigious names in British ceramics. Royal Doulton’s acquisition of various smaller brands, including those under the Allied English Potteries umbrella, meant that Queen Anne china was produced alongside other renowned lines. Royal Doulton, with its global reputation, provided a broader platform for the Queen Anne brand, ensuring that it remained accessible to collectors and enthusiasts of fine bone china.
Conclusion
The history of the Queen Anne mark is one of resilience and adaptation. Introduced around 1950 by Shore & Coggins, the mark became synonymous with high-quality tea sets and fine china. Despite the closure of Shore & Coggins’ Edensor Works in 1966, the Queen Anne trade name continued to thrive under Allied English Potteries, Ridgway Potteries, and eventually Royal Doulton. The brand’s ability to endure across multiple decades and manufacturers speaks to the enduring appeal of its elegant designs and fine craftsmanship.
Today, Queen Anne china remains a cherished collectible, with pieces from different eras offering insight into the evolving history of British ceramics.
