Royal Worcester (Cont'd)
Clarke Commissioned Royal Worcester Cricklite Standards
Royal Worcester was established in 1751 and is believed to be the oldest or second oldest remaining English porcelain brand still in existence today (this is disputed by Royal Crown Derby, which claims 1750 as its year of establishment). Part of the Portmeirion Group since 2009, Royal Worcester remains in the luxury tableware and giftware market, although production in Worcester itself has ended. (Ref 3)
Technically, the Worcester Royal Porcelain Co. Ltd. (known as Royal Worcester) was formed in 1862, and wares produced before that time are known as Worcester porcelain, although the company had a royal warrant from 1788. The enterprise has followed the pattern of other leading English porcelain brands, with increasing success during the 18th and 19th centuries, then a gradual decline during the 20th century, especially the latter half. (Ref 3)
Samuel Clarke commissioned the Royal Worcester Porcelain Company to adapt selected models of their ware to serve as Cricklite and fairy lamp stands. Most of these products are certainly dual purpose, however, those commissioned by Clarke are often marked "Trademark Cricklite".
The following shapes have been identified by members of the Fairy Lamp Club. Some known shapes are not listed as fairy lamps, i.e. model number 1151 Lotus and number 1293 Mower Girl. You have to wonder how many other shapes are not identified as fairy lamps. For example, model number 1290 Figure candelabrum - three lights - 1880 in Royal Worcester Porcelain by Sandon could be a Cricklite stand. Between 1883 and 1890 there were 54 models listed as "lamp."
Reference 1: Ms. Wendy Cook, The Dyson Perrins Museum Trust (Museum of Royal Worcester) Severn Street, Worchester WR1 2NE England.
Reference 2: Royal Worcester Porcelain by Sandon
Reference 3: Wikipedia
Model 2019 - Rd No 323188 - Specially designed and made for Clarke's Cricklite
Model 2213 - Rd No 385001
Model 2213 - Rd No 388114
Model 2213 and Model 2214
