The Evolution of Spode
Unmistakably Spode
In 1770 Spode rewrote the ceramics rulebook. By doing things differently, Spode has become one of the most enduring brands of all time. Spode has always been the leader of unique style, standing apart from other brands for over 250 years, and today it boldly follows in its forebears' footsteps with a brave and distinct approach to homeware design.
Unmistakably Spode
In 1770 Spode rewrote the ceramics rulebook.
By doing things differently, Spode has become one of the most enduring brands of all time.
Spode has always been the leader of unique style, standing apart from other brands for over 250 years, and today it boldly follows in its forebears' footsteps with a brave and distinct approach to homeware design.
The Spode Legacy
Josiah Spode founded a company that was to change the course of British ceramics forever. He designed and crafted the most beautiful blue and white ceramics that were revered across the globe – designs, such as Blue Italian, that are now seen as iconic and the ultimate style statement… designs that are Unmistakably Spode.
This thirst for designing the most desirable ceramics has continued for 250 years and today Spode has a covetable collection of fabulous designs for those who love to express their unique sense of style at home.
This thirst for designing the most desirable ceramics has continued for 250 years and today Spode has a covetable collection of fabulous designs for those who love to express their unique sense of style at home.
Josiah Spode
Josiah Spode I (1733-1797) founded Spode in 1770 in the heart of a thriving industrial Stoke-on-Trent. A true craftsman, it was Josiah I who brought to perfection a commercially successful method of manufacturing blue and white ceramics (known as blue under-glaze printing) and it was his son, Josiah II, a man with great commercial acumen, who discovered the correct formula for the new English porcelain, bone china.
Different though they were (Josiah I being dedicated to his craft, while his son was an inspired entrepreneur), these pioneering men together critically redefined the British pottery industry to such an extent that British ceramics became revered across the globe.
Different though they were (Josiah I being dedicated to his craft, while his son was an inspired entrepreneur), these pioneering men together critically redefined the British pottery industry to such an extent that British ceramics became revered across the globe.
In 1778, they opened a showroom and shop in London. With a passion for enterprise and perfectly located amongst the wealthy elite of Britain’s capital city, Josiah II nurtured a buoyant and receptive market, eager for bespoke, premium quality ceramic collections. A partnership of father and son, Spode designed and manufactured ware that its customers wanted - propelling the company to great success and quickly becoming the example for many others to follow.
Today, we continue to develop collections with the same quality and craftsmanship as Josiah Spode I and his son. Nurturing their legacy of innovation, ceramic mastery and distinguished design.
Today, we continue to develop collections with the same quality and craftsmanship as Josiah Spode I and his son. Nurturing their legacy of innovation, ceramic mastery and distinguished design.
