Porcelain factory thought to be the first in
England. Based in SW London, it dated from
the 1740s, when it was known as the Chelsea
Porcelain Works. It produced softpaste
porcelain in imitation of Chinese high-fired
porcelain. Later items are distinguished by
the anchor mark on the base. Chelsea
porcelain includes plates and other items
decorated with botanical, bird, and insect
paintings. The factory was taken over by
William Duesbury of Derby 1769 (after which
the so-called `Chelsea-Derby' was produced),
and pulled down 1784.