what is spode dinnerware

Full Answer

What is special about Spode?

Spode's Felspar Porcelain is recognised as the forerunner of all modern English Bone China. As the technique for transfer printing on earthenwares was perfected, Spode's blue and white transfer printed wares were generally considered to be among the finest ever made.

Is Spode high quality?

Spode developed some of the finest quality English bone china in existence and introduced his superior under glaze transferware printing process in order to enhance these bone china pieces in the early 1780s. Spode was produced in a variety of types, patterns, and styles.

What is Spode dinnerware made of?

Spode porcelain, porcelain introduced about 1800 in the factory of Josiah Spode and Josiah Spode II at Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, Eng. This hybrid porcelain—combining the ingredients of hard-paste porcelain (china clay and china stone) and bone ash—became the standard English bone china.

Is Spode considered fine china?

Josiah Spode is also often credited with developing, around 1790, the formula for fine bone china that was generally adopted by the industry.

Can Spode china go in dishwasher?

Tableware – Porcelain & Earthenware Designed for modern day living, Portmeirion's tableware is 'Oven-to-Table' and dishwasher safe.

Is Spode china now made in china?

Today Spode has been purchased by the Portmeirion Group, and is one of several brands it makes. And nowadays some pieces are made in other countries, including China.

Does Spode contain lead?

Spode Made in England “Italian” pattern newer dish: 25 ppm Lead (safe by all standards!)

How do you identify Spode china?

The Most Common Spode Markings When the company first started, pieces were not always marked and sometimes you'll just find a pattern with no backstamp. It's worth noting, though, that most painted marks are red, sometimes blue, or black was used too. This marking is a printed backstamp c1835-45.

How can you tell if Spode is made in England or china?

Look for the mark that says where the item was made. If it doesn't say “made in England” then it may not be the same quality as English pieces.

Can Spode china be microwaved?

Alternatively warm in a hostess trolley, or rinse plates/seving dishes in warm water before use. Microwaves and Ovens Spode cookware is ideally suited for cooking purposes, but imperialware and bone china should not be used in this way.

Does Spode china contain lead?

This Spode brand yellow "Delamere Blue" pattern china (Made in England) was positive for lead when tested with an XRF instrument. It came in at 47,500 ppm lead (+/- 1,500 ppm).

When did Spode stop manufacturing in England?

2008Spode's factory was in continuous production from 1774 to 2008, when it finally closed (although the brand was subsequently purchased by Portmeirion, who continue to make Spode branded wares at their own factory in Stoke).

Does Spode have lead in it?

Spode Made in England “Italian” pattern newer dish: 25 ppm Lead (safe by all standards!)

What is the difference between Spode and Copeland Spode?

During this time, Spode was managed by the Copeland Family ownership. You'll often find Copeland on pieces from 1847-1970. Moving forward to 1970, the brand name reverted back to Spode. The more recognisable branding is used and printed on pieces to this day.

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Where was Spode's shop?

Spode's London retail shop in Portugal Street went by the name of Spode, Son, and Copeland. Among the many surviving Spode documents are two shape books dated to about 1820 which contain thumbnail sketches of bone china objects with instructions to throwers and turners about size requirements.

Where is Spode pottery made?

Spode is an English brand of pottery and homewares produced by the company of the same name, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Spode was founded by Josiah Spode (1733–1797) in 1770, and was responsible for perfecting two extremely important techniques that were crucial to the worldwide success of the English pottery industry in ...

What is felspar porcelain?

In Spode's similar "Felspar porcelain", introduced on the market in 1821, felspar was an ingredient, substituted for the Cornish stone in his standard bone china body, giving rise to his slightly misleading name "Felspar porcelain," to what is in fact an extremely refined stoneware comparable to the rival "Mason's ironstone", produced by Josiah II's nephew, Charles James Mason, and patented in 1813 Spode's "Felspar porcelain" continued into the Copeland & Garrett phase of the company (1833–1847). Armorial services were provided for the Honourable East India Company, 1823, and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, c 1824. Some of the ware employed underglaze blue and iron red with touches of gilding in imitation of " Imari porcelain " that had been introduced on Spode's bone china in the first decade of the century: the most familiar "Tobacco-leaf pattern" (2061) continued to be made by Spode's successors, William Taylor Copeland, and then "W.T. Copeland & Sons, late Spode".

Who owns Spode pottery?

His son, Josiah Spode II, was certainly responsible for the successful marketing of English bone china. Today, Spode is owned by Portmeirion Group, a pottery and homewares company based in Stoke-on-Trent.

When did Spode Ltd merge with Royal Worcester?

Under the name 'Spode Ltd' the same factories and business was continued after 1970. In 2006, the business merged with Royal Worcester. The merged company entered administration on 6 November 2008. The brand names Royal Worcester and Spode, the intellectual property and some of the stock were acquired by Portmeirion Group on 23 April 2009.

When was Spode's Stone China made?

After some early trials Spode perfected a stoneware that came closer to porcelain than any previously, and introduced his "Stone-China" in 1813.

Who made Spode porcelain?

Messrs Spode were succeeded in the same business in c. 1833 by Copeland and Garrett, who often used the name Spode in their marks. In particular these are called 'Late Spode' and include productions of the so-called 'Felspar porcelain'. They also produced other kinds of bone china, earthenware, parian, etc. The partnership continued in this form until 1847. After 1847 the business continued until 1970 as W.T. Copeland and sons, and again the term 'Spode' or 'Late Spode' continued in use alongside the name of Copeland. Under the name 'Spode Ltd' the same factories and business was continued after 1970.

What Makes Spode Pottery Different?

Spode is still designed in Britain and has now become synonymous with British ceramics, so investing in Spode pottery can be a great decision.

How long has Spode pottery been around?

The year 2020 marked the 250-year anniversary for Spode pottery, an incredible feat for any brand. From humble beginnings in 1770 to a global success, it goes to show the impact Spode pottery has had on British ceramics.

How Do I Know If My Spode Pottery is Valuable?

Depending on the age and markings of your Spode pottery there is a huge variation in its value. Our experts can help you discover the worth and desirability of your piece.

What is Spode's backstamp?

This marking is a printed backstamp c1835-45. During this time, Spode was known as ‘Copeland and Garrett’. This is an usual backstamp as it includes the ‘Japan Stone’, which was the name of the pottery.

How many backstamps are there in Spode?

There have been hundreds of different backstamps used during the 250 years of Spode manufacturing. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a piece, it can be best to seek expert support.

When was Spode backstamp used?

This backstamp was used from c1880. During this time, Spode was managed by the Copeland Family ownership. You’ll often find Copeland on pieces from 1847-1970.

What are marking guides for pottery?

Our marking guides will help you identify the dates and potential value of your pottery, teaching you to spot rare and opulent pieces. We can then help you sell your own pottery, or we can help you add to your collection.

When did Spode open his pottery business?

In the village of Stokes-on-Trent, a well-known pottery hub, Spode would hone his skills during his teenage years and open his own pottery business in 1767 . His son, Josiah Spode II, was born in 1755 and would enter the family business when he became of age.

Where did Spode work?

He trained as a potter as well and helped run the Spode warehouse in London. In 1797, he took the reins from his father and led the company into the production of bone china. This type of porcelain would become the Spode hallmark, as they worked to perfect the recipe for the unique china.

Who bought Spode's business?

When Spode II died in 1827, William's Copeland's son bought the entire business from the Trustees of Josiah Spode III. The company would then operate as Copeland and Garratt (a partner that came on) until 1847 when William Copeland decided to continue solo. In 1970, the company was again renamed back to Spode.

What is the name of the dinnerware that was used on the Titanic?

With a history of serving royalty and even as the dinnerware for the Titanic, Spode is a renowned name that belongs in your china collection! If you have other questions about our selection of Spode china replacements, please call us at (845) 357-0160 to speak with our knowledgeable sales staff.

What is Spode pottery made of?

Many people associate the Spode name with the famous Blue Willow pattern which was first introduced in the mid 1780s. While other pottery manufacturers tried various recipes for making its ceramic body, Spode stuck to the traditional method of using finely ground bone ash, kaolin, and china stone for its ceramic bodies.

Where is Spode pottery?

By 1806, Spode was the largest pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent and had an appointment of the Prince Regent of Wales–a prestigious honor–to produce ceramics for the royals. Spode ceramics were widely collected by wealthy art collectors, arbiters of fine taste, heads of state, celebrities and others who desire high quality dinnerware and decorative objects. Spode pieces and rare pattern and design-books are on display in major museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and Winterthur.

What is Spode and Copeland?

The Spode and Copeland Spode names were used for centuries to highlight quality items. In 2009, the Portmeirion Group acquired Spode and the firm remains in Stoke-on-Trent. What to Look For. When collecting antique Spode, look for pieces in good condition; no cracks, chips, glaze slips, or damage.

When was Spode made?

Spode developed some of the finest quality English bone china in existence and introduced his superior under glaze transferware printing process in order to enhance these bone china pieces in the early 1780s. Spode was produced in a variety of types, patterns, and styles. Spode is varied.

When was the Willow pattern introduced?

Spode pieces adorned with the traditional blue/white under glaze transferware printing process are most desirable including the Willow pattern which was introduced in the 1790s and revived in the 1930s.

Where are Spode books on display?

Spode pieces and rare pattern and design-books are on display in major museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and Winterthur. Today, on the market, vintage and antiques Spode pieces attract both new and seasoned collectors alike.

Can you collect vintage Spode?

Collect antique and vintage Spode in complete sets whenever possible. Sets will retain their value and display beautifully over time.

Overview

Foundation

Spode "Stone-China"

Later forms of the business

See also

Sources

External links