"SPODE" - English porcelain manufactory founded by Josiah Spode I (1733-1797) in 1770 (Stoke-on-Trent, Steffordshire).
Josiah Spode I was born on March 23, 1733. Josiah Spode I began his professional career in the pottery industry at the age of 16. After successfully working and training with many of the best potters in the Stoke-on-Trent area, including Thomas Wheeldon, in 1760 Josiah Spode I founded his own small pottery factory, and in 1770 he founded a pottery company called "SPODE".
In 1754 Josiah Spode I married Ellen Findley, who later bore him 8 children, Josiah II, Samuel, Mary, Ellen, Sarah, William, Anne and Elizabeth.
In 1778, Josiah Spode I sent his son, Josiah II, to London to open a showroom and company store. This decision was made in order to attract attention to the company "SPODE" wealthy clients of London. During the same period, the company hired a Staffordshire specialist, William Copeland, to represent the company in other cities in England.
The SPODE manufactory was recognized in 1784 thanks to the improvement of the porcelain-making process and the application of blue glaze to pottery from hand-engraved copper plates. It was the knowledge of the market and the pursuit of product excellence that made Josiah Spode I concentrate on experimentation, which ultimately led to the creation of a unique product - Bone China. These innovations in porcelain technology not only secured the future of the SPODE manufactory, but, in fact, the phenomenal growth of the English Ceramic Industry as a whole.
After the death of the founder of the company Josiah Spode I in 1797, the management of the company passed to his son Josiah II (1757-1827). Josiah II′s exceptional flair for innovation and innovation has kept Josiah II ahead of the competition, winning the first of six Queen′s Privileges to supply goods to the royal court.
In 1833, the SPODE company is sold and taken over by W. T. Copeland and Garrett. William Taylor Copeland (Lord Mayor of London 1835-1836).
In 1867 the company changed its name to W. T. Copeland & Sons.
In 1966 the company becomes part of the "Carborundum Group" .197 resulting in the name changed to "Spode Limited". 1976 - the company merges with the "Worcester Royal Porcelain Company" (Royal Porcelain Company).
In 2009, as a result of the transfer of rights to the company "Royal Worcester & Spode" in favor of "Portmeirion", the factory ceased to exist.
History of success:
1806 - The first Royal Order was awarded to Josiah Spode II, following the visit of the Prince of Wales and Duke of Clarence to Spode.
Josiah Spode II was appointed Potter and English Porcelain Manufacturer (HRH The Prince of Wales).
1821 Spode served the coronation of King George IV.
1866 - manufacturer of porcelain and glass for HRH The Prince of Wales.
1901 - porcelain manufacturer of His Majesty King Edward VII.
1906 - "Spode" received an order from Nicholas II for the production of a set of plates corresponding to the service ordered by Catherine II.
1910 - Supplier of porcelain to His Majesty King George V.
1938 - Supplier of porcelain to His Majesty Queen Mary.
1971 - porcelain manufacturer of His Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.