Spode has a long tradition of using botanical sources for inspiration for pattern designs. Many of the current Spode products, on both china and earthenware are based on original 19th century designs using botanical themes.

Botanical

This is one of several Spode patterns making use of illustrations of flowers depicted in botanical books. The source for these studies has not yet been researched. Many different flower subjects were used on the original dinnerwares. There is an antique dessert service on display in the Spode Museum.

An interesting feature of this pattern is the variety of engraving techniques that were employed for the backgrounds: The centres are line engraved, while a 'punch-work' border are made up of thousands of small dots.

Botanical was introduced around 1826 and was still produced in 1836. The earliest recorded pattern number is 4565.

Sunflower

Sometimes referred to as Sunflower and Convolvulus, this pattern of intertwining flowers and foliage is what is known as a 'sheet pattern'. That is, a pattern which requires only a few engravings to fit all shapes because the design covers the whole surface of the object and doesn't have to be 'fitted'.

The pattern dates from 1813. Several coloured versions exist in the pattern book around that date, including one with a gilded background.

Kew

This is an original Copeland pattern dating from 1882, the earliest recorded pattern number is 2/2106. The pattern has been produced both as a plain print (on both earthenware and bone china.) and also in several hand coloured polychrome versions.

Named after the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, Near Richmond, London. The design, with a border of chrysanthemum blooms in panels around a central stylised floral arrangement is typical example of the 'Japonesque' or 'Aesthetic' style, a style derived from Japanese imports which became very popular in the late 19th Century.

Geranium

Introduced in about 1818 with a geometric border and a central design of a geranium spray.

Pam Woolliscroft, Curator of the Spode Museum Trust, recently (2003)discovered the source for this design which has remained unknown for such a long time. The design is taken from Curtis's Botanical Magazine illustration 261 first published in 1794. Although the pattern has been known as Geranium probably ever since its introduction the plant is it is taken from is named as Erodium incarnatum or Flesh coloured cranesbill. It is a vivid salmon pink and as the Spode Geranium pattern is nearly always monochrome in blue the difficulties in matching it to a botanical illustration in such a different colour may be the reason this source has remained elusive for so long.

This pattern was popular for armorial ware when the central flower was replaced by the owner's coat of arms. Recent replacement pieces have been supplied to the Worshipful Company of Skinners and to a private order bearing the arms of the one time governor of Corfu.

Camilla

Introduced in 1833, the date of transition between the Spode and Copeland & Garrett periods. This pattern demonstrates the remarkable effect of the rococo scrollwork in white on a closely stippled background.

It is thought that the name is a misspelling of 'Camellia' and 1836 invoices to the Hudson's Bay Company do spell it 'Camellia'. The flower spray closely resembles Camellia sinensis, the tea plant.

British Flowers

A late introduction of the Spode period believed to date from 1831. The flower studies are a close adaptation of Botanical pattern introduced two years earlier.

Further reading: Robert Copeland; Spode and Copeland Marks and Other Relevant Intelligence: Studio Vista. ISBN 0-289-80172-9