Colossal Gold Aves Tureen by Royal Crown Derby

This massive oval tureen with lid and underplate by Royal Crown Derby Porcelain is decorated in the Gold Aves pattern on the Ely/Chelsea shape.  Gold Aves was introduced in 1961 and is still in production today.  The Aves pattern is also made in red, black, green, pink, platinum, and multi-colored versions called Old Avesbury.  This colossal tureen holds a whopping 16 quarts.  The tureen with its lid measures 19” in length, is 14 1/2” tall and 15” wide.  The underplate is 28” long and is 16 1/2” wide.          

Derby Porcelain was established around 1750 by Andrew Planch.  This was the first porcelain manufacturer in Derby, south of Derbyshire England.  The factory first produced fine porcelain figurines.  Soon after, William Duesbury and Planch formed a partnership and began producing very high-quality china.  In 1770 Derby China acquired Chelsea China Works, bringing on board a number of highly skilled craftsmen.  In 1773, Derby Porcelain opened a London Showroom introducing the world to the excellence of its porcelain.  King George recognized the unique quality of Derby Porcelain and granted the company the right to incorporate the crown into its backstamp in 1775. The name of the company became Crown Derby Porcelain.  In 1890 Queen Victoria appointed the company as “Manufacturers of Porcelain to Her Majesty.” She also granted the Royal Warrant and Crown Derby Porcelain the right to be named “The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company.” In 2000 Royal Crown Derby celebrated 250 years of manufacturing.  The company continues to produce fine, luxury porcelain today, innovating in both design and production of English porcelain.