In 1770, Joseph Spode established a small pottery in the village of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England. Over the next 30 years, Spode perfected the process of blue underglaze printing from hand-engraved copper plates, which resulted in exquisitely detailed blue-and-white earthenware that is highly collectible today. Spode is also credited with inventing the formula for translucent fine bone china, soon to become an enduring industry standard. Archival engravings and molds allow the Spode company to continue producing favorite historic lines, while also adding new dinnerware and ovenware collections in vibrant contemporary patterns. |