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March 3rd, 2008 by Just Glass Oline Staff

Begun by the son of a pauper, Josiah Spode, who had a vision in business, Spode China opened its doors in about 1780.

China from the orient was becoming far scarcer, and was taxed outrageously.

Tea taxes however were being lowered and more people were drinking tea than ever before, so Britain needed some new resources for their dinnerware needs.

Spode decided that he was the one to answer that need for Britain.

While just 16 Josiah apprenticed to a master potter named Thomas Whieldon and stayed there until he was 21.

He learned vast amounts about functional pottery and design, but not a great deal about strength and beauty.

Opening his own factory, Josiah became the driving force in the industry, and was the beginning of two of the most important factors that are used in the industry even today.

He developed the formula for bone china that is used still today and more important even than this, he perfected the under glazing process that is used to this very day for earthenware.

Now, many more intricate patterns can be applied without the concern over chipping, fading of the pattern or scratching of the piece.

Word of Spode’s dinnerware and the amazing designs and durability spread as far as the continent of North America.

Settlers in America began to purchase such items as the “Blue Room collection, and Camilla, which became “new world” favorites, reminding the settlers of home, and of their own heritage.

The functionality of the pieces was as astonishing to the users as the strength of the find dishes, and the patterns were also pleasing to them.

Josiah Spode II took control of the company on the death of his father in 1797.  He continued the tradition with his son, but sadly, after the son’s tragic accidental death in 1829, the business was sold, coming into the hands of the Copeland family where it remained until the mid-sixties.

After merging with Royal Worcester to form Royal Worcester Spode, the Spode name was resurrected in 1970 to celebrate the company’s 200th anniversary.

Spode has become a worldwide success story. Spode has produced many pieces for royalty, including the Queen’s Jubilee, and a china set produced for Queen Mary called Queen’s Bird. Spode is exalted for its enduring spirit and high quality standards.

The company now employs over 600 people, and produces a wide range of product, from earthenware to fine bone china.