Spode's Christmas Tree collection is the world's favourite festive dinnerware collection featuring a wonderful Christmas scene - a decorated Christmas tree. Amazingly its design can be attributed to someone who had never previously seen a Christmas tree.

History

During the 1930s, Sydney Thomspon (the sole agent for Spode in the USA) made several visits to the Spode factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England, with the aim of developing new patterns and ranges for the US market. He scoured Spode's pattern books to find antique designs that could be revitalised. 


In 1938, Mr Thomspon travelled to Spode with a range for Christmas in mind. Again he searched Spode's pattern books but could only find holly-themed designs which he felt inappropriate for his market. He met with Spode's Art Director at that time, Thomas Hassall, and explained his troubles. 


Mr Hassall asked Harold Holdway, a designer for Spode who later became Design Director, to create a design that would please Mr Thomspon.

Harold Holdway soon returned with a design featuring a Christmas tree with presents that hung from the branches and a Santa at the top instead of a fairy or star. Surprisingly, Harold Holdway had never seen a Christmas tree before - hence the presents hung from the branches. 

Mr Thomspon explained that decorations adorned the tree itself and that the presents should be heaped underneath. Harold Holdway returned to his studio to amend the design but the Santa remained at the top of the tree.

A 10" plate was manufactured that with the wording 'Wishing You a Merry Christmas 1938' on the back of the plate. Sydney Thomspon was happily flooded with orders. The range quickly expanded to include more tableware and serving pieces, although the wording was removed.

The Christmas Tree collection was originally produced on the Kailas shape, but in the early 21st century was produced on Spode's Regimental Oak shape. 

There have been many different variations of patterns since Christmas Tree was launched in 1938 with different coloured and sized borders being common. 

Various shapes have also been introduced making Christmas Tree not only the perfect festive tableware pattern, but also a fascinating collectable.