FAQs

  • 1. What is "fine bone china"?

    Historically, fine bone china was developed by Josiah Spode in the early 1790s with his expressed intention to exceed the highest quality porcelain products being imported from China at that time. His fine bone china clay (or “body”) was made with a blend of bone ash (44%), feldspar (30%) and kaolin clay (26%) to give the product an exquisite translucent appearance; yet it was found to be stronger and more chip resistant than all other porcelain products available. Every Roy Kirkham ceramic product is made using a recognised premium grade fine bone china body following the same principles perfected two hundred and thirty years ago.

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  • 2. What is "new bone china" or "low bone china"

    New bone china and low bone china are porcelain products made with a very low (typically 8% to 14%) bone content. It is an undeniably cheaper product in comparison to fine bone china, as it drastically reduces the expensive primary material and the clay body is easier to handle in production. The fundamental drawbacks are that the finished product is significantly compromised aesthetically, the translucency is diminished, it is typically heavier, it is not as strong, and it is not as chip resistant. For these reasons, we do not sell new bone or low bone china products.

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  • 3. How should I look after my Roy Kirkham fine bone china products?

    Although fine bone china is a surprisingly resilient product, the following should always be noted:Although fine bone china is a surprisingly resilient product, the following should always be noted: Sudden large changes to temperature should be avoided. This may cause thermal shock, and an item may crack or break. It is particularly relevant for larger items such as teapots. It is recommended that a teapot is rinsed with a small amount of partly warmed water from a kettle or tap prior to filling with boiled water. Cups and mugs may suffer similar breakages if, for instance they are taken from storage in cold cupboards, and filled directly with boiled water. Any product should not be exposed to a naked flame, as the localised heat source will stress and break the item. If an item is dropped or knocked against a hard surface, it may break. If no breakage is apparent, checks should still be made to ensure that there are no hairline cracks or fatigue in the ceramic material, as it may suddenly break when exposed to heat. Fine bone china is not freezer or oven safe.v. Stubborn tea and coffee stains can be removed from time to time with baby sterilising solution. Products should always be thoroughly washed and dried before use. Abrasive cleaning or drying materials should be avoided, as it will scratch the glazed finish on the product. Over time, continued use of strong detergents and solutions can fade the pattern on the product.

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  • 4. Are your fine bone china products dishwasher and microwave safe?

    Yes, the products detailed on this website are dishwasher and microwave safe, except for any item which includes metal parts, or a metallic colour or pattern.

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  • 5. Who is Roy Kirkham?

    Roy Kirkham was the founder of Roy Kirkham & Co. Ltd; and prior to setting up his own company in the 1970s, he trained, met, designed for and gained inspiration from many of the famous pottery names and iconic brands of the era. The company continues to be owned and run by his sons.

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  • 6. Are all your products on the website?

    We show a selection of our products on the website, and update the range from time to time with new and exciting products.

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  • 7. Do you sell your products elsewhere?

    We sell our products through many large and small retailers and distributors worldwide. Trade enquiries are welcome.

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  • 8. Where are you based?

    We are based in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. The original home of fine bone china.

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  • 9. Do you have a factory shop?

    We do not have a factory shop as all our space it taken for production.

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  • 10. I have had a cherished Roy Kirkham product for many years, and it has now broken. Can you supply a replacement?

    Our patterns and products change over time as tastes and styles change. If your product does not appear on our website, there is a likelihood that it has now been superseded. However, if you wish to contact us, we are always happy to check through our back catalogue just in case a few items remain.

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