The Worcester works remained with Messrs. Flight & Barr until 1840, when the two principal manufactories of Worcester--that of Flight & Barr, and that of the Messrs. Chamberlain, were amalgamated; the plant and stock were removed to the premises of the latter, and the new firm was styled Chamberlain & Co. The last-named works were established by Robert Chamberlain in 1786; he was the first apprentice at the Old Worcester Porcelain Company, and he and his brother Humphrey took premises in High Street. At first they only decorated porcelain, which they bought of Turner of Caughley; but they afterwards manufactured largely on their own account, and their business increased to a great extent, being patronised by the royal family. [Illustration: FIG. 284.--PORTION OF A TEA SERVICE. _Japanese pattern, blue, red, and gold._] [Illustration: FIG. 285.--PORTION OF A TEA SERVICE. _Transfer coloured, and partly gilt._] These two works which were united in 1840, remained so until 1852, when Messrs. Kerr & Binns became the ostensible proprietors. In 1862 another Joint Stock Company was formed, Mr. R. W. Binns having the direction of the artistic department and Mr. Edward Phillips being general superintendent. SWINTON, near Rotherham. The manufacture of porcelain at the ROCKINGHAM WORKS was introduced, under the patronage of the Earl Fitzwilliam, about the year 1823 by Thomas Brameld, who spared no expense in endeavouring to bring it to perfection. The china was of a superior description, and the painting and decoration were of a high character. In 1832 royal patronage was obtained and a magnificent service was ordered by King William IV.; instead, however, of placing the firm in a flourishing condition, it was actually the cause of its ruin, for the expense incurred by the engagement of first-class artists, and the super-abundance of gold employed in decorating the service, resulted in so great a loss that the manufacture was totally discontinued a few years after. [Illustration: FIG. 286.--PLATE.] [Illustration: FIG. 287.--VASE. _Centre-piece of the service made for King William IV._ Height 14 in.] DERBY. The earliest manufactory was called "The Derby Pot Works," and was carried on at Cock Pit Hill by Messrs. John and Christopher Heath for pottery and porcelain. It is said to have been on an extensive scale, but little is known of its operations. The proprietors, who were bankers in Full Street, became bankrupt in 1780, when the stock was sold and the works discontinued. [Illustration: FIG. 288.--GROUP. _Chelsea Derby._] [Illustration: FIG. 289.--PAIR OF VASES. _Chelsea Derby._] [Illustration: FIG. 290.--PLATE. _With flowers by Billingsley._]