Aynsley History

Aynsley China was founded in 1775 by John Aynsley who was the chairman of a Stoke -On - Trent coalmine. John Aynsley was passionate about collecting tableware and had a particular interest in pottery and lusterware. Aynsley opened in Longston and was built on John Aynsley‘s reputation as a master potter. Due to the efforts of its founder Aynsley China began to prosper.

When John Aynsley was older he passed the business over to his son James and it was the son of James named John Aynsley II who carried Aynsley to new heights. During this period the company’s focus was changed from pottery to the fine bone china that Aynsley has a reputation for today. John Aynsley altered the manufacturing process of making porcelain by using 50% "calcined bone ash thus making the finished Aynsley China product stronger, white and more transparent.

Aynsley China began to catch the eye of the elite and Queen Victoria commissioned Aynsley China to produce a set of ornate tableware for her personal use. Having a commission from Her Majesty the Queen allowed Aynsley China to use the royal family seal in its logo, affirming the company's reputation, and a place in dinnerware history. (More recent commissions from royalty include gold embossed sets for Queen Elizabeth II and her son, the Prince of Wales).

While many of today's china making processes have become mechanized, Aynsley China continues to be known for its craftsmanship and techniques in the production of china, collectibles, and giftware that are similar to those in place when the company was started.

Over 850 are employed at the "Portland Works" production facility today. Aynsley China has been one of the most influential companies in the British tableware industry and with the manufacturing of modern lines such as Daisy Chain and Madison and the brand new contemporary styles of Aynsley China Mozart and Aynsley China Sorrento, Aynsley China's future continues to look bright.