Spode

Spode

Josiah Spode founded the first Spode factory in Stoke on Trent in 1776. He focused his attention on the manufacture of porcelain, a technically more difficult but much finer material . He was perhaps best remembered for developing the technique of underglazing transfer prints on earthenware. Josiah died suddenly in 1797 and his son, also called Josiah Spode took over the factory in partnership with William Copeland. Often considered the Golden Age of British Ceramics, Spode went from strength to strength and in 1806 Josiah Spode II was named as “Potter to the Prince of Wales”. In 1822 Josiah II developed Felspar Porcelain. This new derivative was superior to all other types of porcelain at the time not just in beauty but in reliability of manufacture and is widely considered to be the forerunner of all modern English Fine Bone China. The perfection of transfer printing and quality of raw material led to the introduction of Blue Italian in 1822. Perhaps Spode’s most recognised pattern it still in production today. Other historic patterns still made and collected are Spode Blue Room and Spode Christmas Tree. 2009 Spode was taken over by the Portmeirion Group who have introduced a more contemporary set of ranges to sit alongside the historic collections. Delamere Rural and its sister patterns Delamere Bouquet and Delamere Lakeside still rely on Spode’s unique ability to produce exquisite patterns but now with a more contemporary twist. With a focus on the countryside, natural world and wildlife the tradition Woodland Range and contemporary Glen Lodge are both very successful. New Christmas collections such as Christmas Jubilee and Winter’s Scene were launched in 2015. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Blue Italian in 2016 Spode have launched a new pattern Giallo, Blue italian with a twist of lemon. This beautiful and contemporary design makes a great stand alone collection or can be added to Blue Italian to create an accent range. New in the second half of 2016 in the main Blue Italian range is the beautifully decorated Blue Italian Glassware. The Collection includes Wine Glasses, tumblers and champagne flutes, perfect for adding those all important finishing touches to your table. A design which has been available via Royal Worcester on a collection of Giftware, is William Morris Strawberry Thief. This iconic design from the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th century has now been faithfully reproduced on the new Spode Strawberry Thief Tableware Collection. Spode continues to be synonymous with quality and elegance relying on a heritage of innovation and classic design.