Spode China

It was in 1784, that Josiah Spode perfected the process of blue under glaze printing on earthenware from hand-engraved copper plates. This not only assured his fame and the future prosperity of his company, but also was essential to the phenomenal growth of the English china industry. He then went on to make the single most important discovery in the history of his industry - the formula for Fine Bone China - which was to make the name, Spode, famous throughout the world. English Fine Bone China is one of the great, classic products, universally admired and generally accepted as the premier material for china, an inspiration for passionate collecting and everyday pleasure. Now 200 years later bone china still remains the most popular base for the production of sophisticated patterns and everyday dinnerware.

Many Spode dinnerware and fine china patterns are instantly recognisable, none more so than the classic earthenware pattern, Blue Italian, with its Chinese border and central scenes of Roman ruins. To choose a Spode china pattern from the dazzling selection available is one of the most difficult but ultimately most satisfying decision for the home maker today.

One of the original dinnerware patterns, Spode Blue Italian china, has been in constant production since its introduction nearly two hundred years ago. The main scene is framed by the eighteenth Century Imari Oriental border and still requires the original techniques, and skilled hand engraving, to achieve its unique look. Spode Blue Italian dinnerware brings colour, life and a certain inimitable style to any table.

A wealth of authentic engravings inspires the Spode Blue Room collection, a comprehensive selection of items in an array of traditional Spode china patterns.

Spode Christmas Rose china is an elegant dinnerware pattern, with its Victorian colour palette, was first introduced on a special plum pudding dish in the year eighteen hundred and ninety. Christmas Rose china embraces the sophisticated festive dinning occasion.

Spode`s original Christmas tree china is one of the world's best-known dinnerware and giftware designs. A unique seasonal design of a Christmas tree profusely decorated with baubles and tinsel, with gifts placed underneath, produces the most evocative festive table setting. Spode Christmas tree China is recognised around the world as simply part of Christmas.

Stafford Flowers China is one of the great Spode patterns. Superb botanical illustrations provide a different study as the central motif for each piece, enhanced by the richest twenty two carat gilding.

In the distinctive Spode tradition, Spode Woodland China features fine studies of British game animals perfectly framed by a stylised, floral border. Encapsulating country living Woodland dinnerware provides the perfect setting to any dinner table. Spode's Woodland giftware pieces are beautifully decorated using the British flowers border, complementing each scenic English Country pursuit. Every piece details a striking hand painted study of flora and fauna.