Launched in 1816, Blue Italian is one of the collections that secured Spode's reputation as a leader in the ceramic industry; it is now one of Spode’s most collected ranges and is still made to this very day.

The Portmeirion Group has brought a significant amount of the manufacture of this range back to England with thousands of Blue Italian pieces now being made at our factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

History
The popularity of blue and white china across the globe in the 1700s could not be ignored. The UK and Europe were flooded with imports from China that were incredibly popular and sought after. However in 1773, when demand for blue and white ceramics was still high, the imports began to slow, leaving a gap in the market.

It was in 1784 that Josiah Spode I perfected the process of underglaze printing on earthenware with tissue paper transfers made from hand-engraved copper plates. Initially the designs were sympathetic reproductions of the Chinese porcelain that had been incredibly popular during the 1700s, but soon Josiah I launched original designs such as Willow (c1790), Blue Tower (1814) and Blue Italian.

These blue and white collections were not only popular in Britain but also in America where the tableware reminded the settlers of home. After this huge success, Spode’s collections were quickly copied by competitors but no other range could equal the detail and quality that Josiah I instilled into his ware.

Launched in 1816 and still manufactured today, Blue Italian is now considered a design icon. Inspired by scenes of the Italian countryside featuring remarkably detailed figures amongst Roman ruins and framed by an 18th century Imari Oriental border, the incredibly detailed design captures the essence of a sunny Italian day to great effect.

The design contains little idiosyncrasies that have evolved over time and make for a fascinating element to this stunning collection. Depending on the designer, a piece may have three sheep whilst another piece might have two and these little differences brought about by personal preference continue throughout the whole collection.