Executive Director & Curator – Louise Irvine

Louise Irvine is an expert in British ceramic history and her career in the UK and the USA has been devoted to promoting a greater appreciation of the fired arts through publishing, lecturing, and exhibitions. She is regarded as the leading authority on Royal Doulton antiques, having published more than twenty reference books for collectors.

Of Scottish origin, Louise studied first at Edinburgh University graduating with an Honours degree in Fine Art. Later, her post-graduate studies for the Museums Diploma at Manchester University led to her special interest in ceramic history. After working for museums in Glasgow and London, she researched The Doulton Story exhibition for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 1979, beginning her long association with the Royal Doulton Potteries. She founded Doulton’s International Collectors Club and edited its quarterly magazine. As Director of Historical Promotions for twelve years, she organized regular exhibitions for the Royal Doulton Gallery in London, many of which also traveled abroad.

With her extensive knowledge of ceramic art and antiques, Louise is often a guest on TV and radio chat shows around the world and she starred with the actor Patrick Macnee in the video documentary, The Royal Doulton Story. Louise also writes and lectures about many other aspects of ceramic and glass art. Louise is in great demand as a public speaker and regularly lectures to museums, antique clubs and other special interest groups in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Since 1981, she has been an approved lecturer for the Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) in the UK. She has also been a teacher of ceramic history at Staffordshire University as well as at Christie’s Education in London. Louise continues to organize conventions, as well as travel events for collectors, such as cruises with seminars at sea, and tours of the Staffordshire Potteries.

In 2015, Louise was honored for her outstanding contribution to the world of ceramic art with a tribute from the State of Florida recognizing her 40-year career.