By 1750 Derby was already producing highly acclaimed porcelain. With the arrival of William Duesbury the company grew and developed its production of richly decorated dinner services. In 1811 Robert Bloor bought the company and introduced bone china clay in the production of decorative vases. During the 1870’s George lll granted Duesbury the privilege of making his china, hence the ‘Crown’ in the name. Queen Victoria granted the use of ‘Royal’, and the Royal Arms in 1890. Thereafter the company was known as ‘Royal Crown Derby’. Many of the opulent colourful designs of that period are still made today, with the same care and attention to detail as in the 19th century. Many of the exquisite Crown Derby china patterns are used in the decoration of the highly collectible Crown derby paperweights.