OLD ROSES from the COUNTRY

First introduced in 1962, having been based on the 1921 King's Ransom pattern, the Old Country Roses range of bone china soon became popular. Introduced by T.C. Wild and sons, the range had originally been going to be called 'Treasure Garden' before a change of heart.

The company had been founded by Thomas Clark Wild in 1895 after he had purchased the old 'Albert Works' in the High Steet of the potteries town of Loughton. As a result he subsequently branded some of his wares under the name of Royal Albert. The firm were later to take on another works after purchasing from Bernard Moore the St Mary's Works.

King's Ransom Cup, Saucer and Side Plate

Having taken his sons into the business and rebranded the business as T.C. Wild and Sons, they were to merge in 1964 with the Langley Group, who were an established retail group in Birmingham, with the new company being named as the Allied English Potteries. Though they continued to operate as a separate entity with Wild's continuing to trade under the Royal Albert name.

The Original Old Country Roses Marker's Mark (1962-73)

In 1962 they introduced what was to become their most popular range of bone china, Old County Roses, which included both a tea and coffee set.

In November 1971 the Allied English Potteries Group, which Wild's were part of, purchased the Doulton and two years later they became the Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd. At this stage Wild's ceased to exist as a separate entity within the new company though as Royal Albert was such an established and well regarded name, Royal Doulton kept it as a marking brand.

The Old County Roses range, which was introduced in 1962, was by far the most success range of bone china and included both a tea and coffee set.

References Inc:

A Victorian Pottery - 3 T C Wilds' by Peter Beckett and published in 2004 by Peter Beckett.