Spode China: 250+ Years of English Pottery Excellence

Spode was founded in 1765 by Josiah Spode I (1733–1797) in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire—the heart of The Potteries.

Milestones

• 1770s: Perfected creamware (fine, pale earthenware) rivaling Wedgwood.
• 1784: Developed blue underglaze transfer printing on earthenware—revolutionized mass decoration (Willow pattern, etc.).
• 1790s: Perfected bone china (adding calcined bone ash to porcelain body)—whiter, stronger, translucent. Became world standard.
• 1800s: Royal warrants; global exports; iconic patterns (Italian, Greek, Christmas Tree).
• 1833: Copeland family takes over (William Taylor Copeland); brand continues as Copeland Spode.
• 2009: Factory closes; brand acquired by Portmeirion Group—production moved overseas.

Early Spode (pre-1833, marked "Spode," "Spode & Copeland") is highly collectible. Bone china innovation changed global ceramics forever.