History of Doulton, British Berkefeld and Berkey

Beginning in January 2024 we re-introduced British Berkefeld products back into our store. The brand name “Berkey” originated from the "Berkefeld" brand. British Berkefeld built Berkey's foundation and reputation and we are pleased to renew this partnership. British Berkefeld / Doulton is owned by the Rolls Royce corporation.

Doulton® Water Filters’ rich history dates back almost 200 years, when the renowned Royal Doulton’s ceramic craftsmen created filters that protected against water contaminated with cholera bacteria. In the years that followed, we expanded our expertise into carbon filters; which were commissioned by Queen Victoria herself; and rapidly earned recognition for our commitment to innovation – giving us a heritage built on knowledge, expertise and experience.

Our focus on progression continues to this very day. Doulton® remains a trusted name in water filters – bringing better, safer drinking water to people everywhere. And while we’re proud of our past, we continue to look to the future as the inventors and innovators of our sector.  

Doulton water purifier from 1800's  1800's

  • John Doulton, Martha Jones and John Watts join forces to found the firm (then known as Jones, Watts and Doulton.)
  • In 1826 the first ceramic candle water filter was handcrafted by using using various earth and clay materials.
  • In 1835, Queen Victoria recognized the present health dangers in her drinking water and commissioned Doulton to produce a water filter for the Royal household.
  • John Doulton's son, Henry, introduced the Doulton Manganous Carbon water filter in 1862.
  • Sir Henry Doulton created a gravity fed stonewarefilter that combined the technology of a ceramic filter with the artistry of a hand-crafted pottery water container.

 

John Doulton1900's

  • King Edward knighted Henry Doulton and honored the company by
    authorizing it to use the word ROYAL in reference to its products.
  • In 1906 Doulton introduced a filter for use in domestic water filtration
    throughout the world.
  • In 1998, Berkey by New Millennium Concepts Ltd (NMCL) entered into an agreement with Fairey Industrial products and became the distributor of Berkefeld products in the United States. This partnership ended in 2019.
  • In 1999, NMCL introduced the Big Berkey® water system in the United States.
  • Achieved ISO 9002 accreditation.
  • Transitioned Doulton® ceramic water filters to British Berkefeld®
  • Presented with The Queens Award for Export  and Industrial Achievement

 

 

Heritage Ceramic Water Filter

2000's

  • Rolls Royce plc. acquires Fairey Industrial Ceramics, and the company relocates to new, ISO 9001-certified facilities in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. 
  • In 2003, the Black Berkey® Element was introduced by New Millennium Concepts Ltd.
  • The Heritage Ceramic Water Filter was introduced to celebrate Doulton's rich cultural legacy.
  • Introduced the Taste2 stainless steel water bottle.
  • Modernized the ATC Super Sterasyl to the Ultra Sterasyl®.
  • Introduced the new and Improved Biotect Ultra.
  • Launched the Doulton® brand into Hong Kong and China.

Choice Water Filters is proud to be an authorized dealer of Doulton, British Berkefeld and Berkey water systems.