Difference Royal Albert vs Royal Doulton: Which Brand Is Right for You?
If you are looking to buy fine bone china products, two British brands stand out from the rest: Royal Albert and Royal Doulton. Although both are royal warrant holders and have a long history of excellence behind them, there are a lot of differences between Royal Albert and Royal Doulton.
Knowing more about the difference between Royal Albert and Royal Doulton will help you make a more informed decision while buying.
Quick Comparison: Royal Albert vs Royal Doulton
| Category | Royal Albert | Royal Doulton |
|---|---|---|
| Brand History | Founded 1895, Staffordshire. Royal Warrant 1904. | Founded 1815, London. Royal Warrant 1901. |
| Design Style | Romantic, floral, feminine - soft pastels & gold trim. | Versatile - classic to contemporary, wide aesthetic range. |
| Product Range | Tea sets, teapots, cups, breakfast & dinner sets. | Tableware, figurines, character jugs, children's ware, cookware. |
| Collectibility | Vintage tea sets & rare floral patterns, pre-2002 'Made in England'. | HN figurines, character jugs, Lambethware - broad global collector market. |
| Ownership | Acquired by Royal Doulton (1972), now both under Fiskars Corp (2015). | Independent until Waterford Wedgwood (2005), then Fiskars Corp (2015). |
Royal Albert China Collection
Royal Albert tableware and tea sets are crafted with precision using high-quality fine bone china, ensuring premium quality for every piece.
View ProductBrand History
Royal Albert was established in 1895 in Longton, Staffordshire. The company was named after Prince Albert and was awarded a royal warrant in 1904. From that point forward, it became associated with dainty, floral English tea sets. Perhaps the company’s most popular design, Old Country Roses, was introduced in 1962 and became one of the most popular bone china designs of all time.
Royal Doulton’s history is a long and storied one, with the company being established in Vauxhall, London, in 1815. Originally a stoneware production company, it would eventually become a world-renowned producer of fine china and decorative arts. King Edward VII conferred a royal warrant upon the company in 1901. In addition to china, Royal Doulton is famous for its figurines and character jugs.
Design Style
This is where the two brands differ most. Royal Albert is a brand that is defined by its romance and femininity. The products are decorated with floral patterns, pastel colors, pink, cream, and gold-trimmed edges. They evoke the beauty of an English country garden. They are the ultimate brand for traditional afternoon tea.
Royal Doulton has a more general approach to design style. The products range from traditional and classic to modern and contemporary. The brand appeals to a wider range of customers compared to Royal Albert. While Royal Albert remains consistent in its cottage garden charm, Royal Doulton has teamed up with celebrity chefs and designers to produce modern tableware.
Product Range
The main products of Royal Albert are tableware, with a specific focus on tea culture, such as tea sets, teapots, cups, saucers, breakfast sets, and cake stands.
The products of Royal Doulton are many and varied, including:
- Fine china dinner services
- Collectible figurines, such as the famous HN series with over 4,000 pieces
- Character jugs and Toby jugs
- Children’s tableware, such as the famous Bunnykins brand
-
Modern cookware and glassware
If you need a tableware set that will be useful for many purposes and for many occasions, you have a better choice with Royal Doulton.
Collectibility and Values
Both brands have an existing collector base around the world, though they have differing types of collectors. For Royal Albert, collectors are those who collect vintage tea sets and rare discontinued floral patterns. Those that are marked 'Made in England' and produced before 2002, when production was transferred to Asia, are the most sought after.
The collector base for Royal Doulton is wider and arguably more competitive. HN figures, character jugs, and early Lambethware stoneware produced by Doulton have an existing collector base. Rare pieces, particularly those produced in the early 20th century, can sell at high prices.
Royal Doulton Collection Australia
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View ProductOwnership: Are They Related?
Yes, as Royal Doulton acquired Royal Albert in 1972. Today, both are owned by Fiskars Corporation, a company that has owned them since 2015, along with Waterford and Wedgwood. Despite being owned by the same company, they maintain their individual identity.
Fiskars Group is the global home of design-driven brands for indoor and outdoor living. Since 1649, we have designed products of timeless, purposeful, and functional beauty, driving innovation and sustainable growth.
Which Brand is Right for You?
If you are drawn to romantic florals, traditional English tea culture, and nostalgic designs, then Royal Albert is the right choice for you. It makes for a wonderful gift and a lovely addition to any tea lover’s tea table.
If you are looking for a greater variety of styles and types of products, and are interested in collecting figurines and character jugs, then Royal Doulton is the better choice for you.
While both are the epitome of English ceramics, it is a matter of your personal preferences and what it is that attracts you to a brand – the romance of a rose-covered tea set, or the rich history of one of England’s most famous pottery companies.
FAQ
Is Royal Albert the same as Royal Doulton?
They are separate brands but owned by the same parent company, Fiskars Corporation. Royal Doulton acquired Royal Albert in 1972.
Is Royal Albert still made in England?
No. Production moved to Asia in 2002. Vintage pieces with a 'Made in England' backstamp are preferred by collectors.
