William Duesbury
William Duesbury (1725-1786) porcelain painter
1751-3 Worked in London, as an enameller to various firms of potters, including the Bow Porcelain Factory and the Chelsea porcelain factory
Later worked at Longton Hall
1756 Formed a business partnership manufacturing high quality china in Derby. This was the foundation of the Derby company.
Developed a new paste that enabled the factory to begin producing high-quality tableware. He quickly established Derby as a leading manufacturer of dinner services and figurines by employing the best talents available for modelling and painting.
1770 Acquired the famous Chelsea Porcelain Factory.
1776 Acquired the remainder of the formerly prestigious Bow porcelain factory.
1777 Duesbury acquired the works and stock of Giles's manufactory in London.
1786 Died, leaving the company to his eldest son, William Duesbury II (1763-1796), also a talented director.