In 1970 the Spode company produced a plate designed by Cecil Beaton. The plate was probably a special commission and was ordered through Spode Inc. in New Jersey, USA. It is entered into the Spode pattern books in Stoke in England as number W148. This records the design but gives no further information. It may be that a Peace organisation commissioned it.

The beautiful design of grasses, butterflies and caterpillars was produced on Spode's Fine Stone which is a grey vitreous body. The backstamp of the plate is very detailed: ' A Spode Annual first year of the issue, designed by Cecil Beaton on Lowestoft and dedicated to the cause of peace 1970'. Lowestoft is the name of the shape of the ware. No further issues were made.

Sir Cecil Beaton is best known for his famous photographic portraits of British royalty and for his pictures of international stars. In addition to photography, he worked as an author/illustrator of books and as a set designer for theatrical productions, operas and ballets. He also served as a costume designer and production designer on prestigious films. Beaton was knighted in 1972.

The plate is decorated by silkscreen in brown.

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