Bow shares the prestige of being one of England's first porcelain factories along with Chelsea. Based in the East End of London, it was founded by Thomas Frye (1710 - 62) and Edward Heylyn (1695- 1758) probably c.1944, when they took out its patent. It best period was from 1750 to 1759, producing high quality wares, often with the Kakiemon quail print, underglaze blue and enamel colours. In 1755 it was sold to  W.Duesbury (1725- 86), owner of the Derby porcelain factory.