Royal Crown Derby launch official University owl

3 July 2015

Royal Crown Derby unveiled their official University owl yesterday (July 2, 2015) which has been created especially for the University of Derby.

These two iconic Derby brands have joined together to celebrate their heritage and the manufacturing and creative legacy of the city of Derby with an exclusive, limited edition University of Derby branded owl paper weight.

Designed and made from English bone china and finished in 22 carat gold by Royal Crown Derby at their 200-year-old factory in Derby, the owl is a classical symbol of wisdom and features prominently on the University of Derby’s crest sitting above its motto - experientia docet - meaning ‘experience teaches’.

CEO of Royal Crown Derby, Kevin Oakes and current University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Coyne, unveiled the owl at Royal Crown Derby this morning.

Vice-Chancellor, John Coyne said:“The University was searching for a new high quality gift to offer at graduation, and also to present to our key stakeholders and partners in the UK and overseas. Fortunately the answer was right on our doorstep at Royal Crown Derby, who have created something beautiful and desirable.

University Owl launched by Royal Crown Derby

“We are honoured to be working with such an iconic local brand and to know that we are associated with a manufacturer from our city with over two centuries of creativity behind them.”

Mr Oakes added: “We are proud to be working in partnership with the University of Derby in creating this fantastic limited edition University alumni paperweight. This is a great way to celebrate the craftsmanship and heritage of Royal Crown Derby whilst celebrating the creative legacy of the city of Derby. A perfect gift for all University alumni and graduands."

Each owl comes with:

Royal Crown Derby branded box
Certificate of authenticity signed by Kevin Oakes (CEO of Royal Crown Derby) and the new University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Kathryn Mitchell, and carrying the limited number e.g. 1/200
Royal Crown Derby branded ‘romance card’ explaining the story of what the owl symbolises.

The owl is an exclusive premium keepsake for University alumni to purchase at Graduation ceremonies and will also be used as a corporate gift for key stakeholders and influencers of the University of Derby.