We’ve always been a leader of unique style and our team of in-house designers continue to follow in our forbearers’ footsteps with a brave approach to design. This distinct approach, together with access to Spode’s endless archive of patterns has resulted in an irresistible new collection, perfect for maximalist styling.
We caught up with our magnificent Spode designer, Penny Swancott, to discuss what it’s like to be part of the Spode design team and to find out what inspired her design for this mix and match collection.
Spode is an extraordinary 250 years old. What's it like designing for such an iconic brand?
It’s an honour in every way… but can be a little overwhelming. Spode’s founder, Josiah Spode, has left such an enviable legacy that it’s impossible to match up to. But that keeps me on my toes – keeps me creative and keeps me motivated. It’s a real luxury to have access to such a large and vibrant design archive. There’s so much inspiration to be found in 250 years’ worth of patterns.
What was the inspiration behind Zoological Gardens?
We wanted to create an extraordinary new collection that oozed style, blending our rich heritage with a maximalist approach. That’s no mean feat. We scoured the Spode archive at Spode’s Museum and our own factory here, in Stoke-on-Trent, to gain as much inspiration as possible. Heritage and craftsmanship had to be central to the collection, of course, but the design had to be a reimagining of Spode’s archive designs too. In the end, there were three designs, Zoological, Aesop’s Fable and Indian Sporting Scenes, that I kept coming back to and that I couldn’t let go of – so I knew the final design had to be inspired by them.
Tell us about the collection, how do you see it being used and styled in the home?
Here at Spode, we believe life’s all about mixing and matching and Zoological Gardens very much reflects that. The aim for the collection was to bring out people’s wild side, styling without boundaries – more is more.
With Zoological Gardens you’ve got everything you need for a stylish afternoon tea with friends, including the most gorgeous three-tier cake stand, teacups and saucers, and of course a teapot. We’ve also included two 12-piece dinner sets, along with pasta bowls and cake plates in the collection to offer a full table setting.
Spode is all about stealing the show even in the smallest of occasions so the collection should be used and enjoyed whenever the chance arises.
How did you decide on the colourway for the collection?
Spode has remained relevant for 250 years and it has done this by reinventing itself over and over and keeping its fingers firmly on the fashion pulse. The turquoise and pink colourways of Zoological Gardens are on-trend… but who doesn’t love a green and pink combo? These two colours are made for each other
What is your favourite piece from the collection and why?
For me it has to be the three tier cake stand. It’s a statement piece, showcasing the three colours, and makes a fabulous gift.
What was an essential piece for the collection?
The teacups and saucers! In all of the colourways. After all, life tastes better sipped from Spode.
To discover more about Zoological Gardens take another peek behind the design here, and shop the collection now exclusively online.