Name/Title
PlateEntry/Object ID
1972.315.1Description
Stone plate china with underglaze colors. It has a floral pattern on border, and pheasants and flowers in center. The underside contains the Spode maker's mark.Context
Founded by Josiah Spode I (1733–1797) in 1770, Spode has been producing ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent, England for over 250 years. While the company is best known for its line of earthenware—a type of ceramic made from porous low-fire clay—it also produces less porous alternatives like porcelain and stoneware. Over the course of two generations, Spode perfected an underglaze transfer printing method, created a new bone china formula which later became the industry standard, and created what is known as "Stoke China" or "Stone-China." The latter is a sturdy stoneware that gives the appearance of delicate porcelain.
After Josiah’s death in 1733, his eldest son Josiah Spode II (1755–1827) took ownership of the company in partnership with William Copeland (d. 1926). After several years of changing management, the Copeland family acquired the company in 1833 and managed it until 1966. From 1966 until 2008—a time referred to as the “Second Spode Period”—Spode merged with a series of other manufactures, prompting the company to changes its name to “Spode Limited” in 1970. Portmeirion, another pottery manufacturer in Stoke-on-Trent, bought the business in 2009 and continues to produce ceramics under the Spode name.Dimensions
Diameter
9-3/4 inCircumference
31 in
