English potter Josiah Spode, a friend and neighbor of another estimable English ceramist, Josiah Wedgwood, established his eponymous pottery and homewares company in 1770 in Stoke-on-Trent. Spode is one of the oldest and most distinguished of the great pottery companies of Staffordshire, the time-honored home of English ceramics. Within fifteen years of its opening, Josiah’s company became known for its signature blue-on-white palette, and one of the manufacturer’s designers developed a specific cobalt hue for their teapots, trays, bowls and more.
Spode’s founder apprenticed at the Fenton Low workshop under Thomas Whieldon, an important 18th-century potter known today for his tortoiseshell ware (as did Josiah Wedgwood). Later, after establishing his company, Josiah Spode became particularly revered for two technical achievements in the firm’s early decades. The first was to develop a standard formula for the making of bone china — a type of porcelain (made with a mixture of bone ash, minerals and clay) that is dazzlingly white and so strong it can be used to create very thin translucent plates and vessels. The other was to perfect the making of transferware. That process involves the transfer of pictorial images inked on tissue paper — such as the garden scenery in the famous Willow dish patterns — onto ceramics that are then sealed with a glaze.
In 1833, entrepreneurs William Taylor Copeland (the Lord Mayor of London at the time) and Thomas Garrett purchased Spode’s pottery-making company following the death of Josiah Spode III, and the name was changed to Copeland Spode. Then, in 1847, Copeland became the firm’s sole owner and the name changed again, this time to W. T. Copeland and Sons, in 1867 when Copeland retired and his four sons took over the business.
Trading as W. T. Copeland and Sons throughout the mid-to-late 19th century, the company found a formidable competitor in another well-known porcelain maker, Minton. Many of the manufacturer’s Georgian, Rococo and late-Victorian pieces such as its dinner plates, tableware, platters, bowls and baskets were commissioned by wealthy British and European clients and exported for sale throughout the British Empire and to the United States. Several of W. T. Copeland and Sons’ spectacular pieces were exhibited at the Great Exhibition of London in 1851 and the International Exhibitions of London and Paris in 1862 and 1878, respectively.
Spode enjoyed tremendous success both in Britain and elsewhere owing to the beauty and vitality of its decorative imagery. By some counts, Spode created more than 40,000 patterns in the 19th century. Many favorite Spode patterns — among them Blue Italian, India Tree, Greek and Woodland — date to the company’s early years. Spode’s most popular pattern, Christmas Tree, was introduced in 1938. Prices for Spode china vary widely, based on the size of the service, its condition and the pattern, and collectors regard Copeland-marked pieces as Spode china.
The company continued as W. T. Copeland and Sons until 1970 when Spode again became the brand's name. Afterward, during the late 1970s, Spode, Royal Worcester and Palissy came under common ownership. In 2009, the firm was purchased by the Portmeirion Group. However, the Spode and Royal Worcester names continue to flourish as highly popular “traditional English heritage” brands within the Portmeirion company.
Find antique Josiah Spode dinner plates, serveware, ceramics and other pieces on 1stDibs.
Rare Spode 'Willis Thatch'd House' London Trial Pattern Platter, circa 1810
By Josiah Spode
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A C R O T E R I O N is pleased to offer this extraordinarily rare and historically important "stone-china" platter of considerable size and weight produced by the Spode factory in St...
Ironstone
$337Sale Price|72% Off
H 1.3 in W 14.25 in D 11.15 in
Georgian Masons Ironstone Large Platter in Table & Flowerpot Pattern, circa 1818
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good hand painted Mason's ironstone large Platter or Meat Plate, in the Table and Flowerpot gilded pattern, from their earliest George IIIrd period, circa 1818. The p...
Ironstone
$1,100
H 1.75 in W 15.25 in D 19 in
William Ridgway English Staffordshire Transferware Platter, Flosculous Pattern
By William Ridgway
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A black on white transfer printed floral platter in the Flosculous pattern, William Ridgway & Co., Shelton, Hanley, Staffordshire England, circa 1830-1854. A gently scalloped black-printed platter in an unusual borderless pattern. Alternating floral sprays extend outward — from a three part scroll motif in the center — up the well and onto the rim of the plate. The term ‘flosculous’ means having flowerets or composite-flowered. This stylized pattern feels very modern. 19 in. L x 15.25 in. W x 1.75 in H A printed urn...
Earthenware
English Ironstone Chinoiserie Platter, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
English ironstone platter circa 1890. Chinoiserie or Imari style, decorated with flowers.
Ceramic
$261Sale Price|45% Off
H 1.25 in Dm 9.38 in
Mason's Ironstone Cabinet Plate in Rare Muscove Duck Pattern, circa 1825
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautifully hand painted shaped Plate in the rare Muscove Duck pattern by Mason's Ironstone, Lane Delph, England, dating to circa 1825. The piece is well potted with a sta...
Ironstone
Spode Porcelain Coffee Can, Gilded Oriental Design, Circa 1810
By Josiah Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very pretty Spode porcelain Coffee Can, elaborately hand decorated with an oriental theme, smothered with gilding and with touches of mazarine blue and iron red, all in ke...
Porcelain
English Ironstone Chinoiserie Platter, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
English ironstone platter circa 1890. Chinoiserie or Imari style, decorated with flowers.
Ceramic
Spode Stoneware Christmas Tree Meat Platter On Stand
By Copeland Spode
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A shaped oval meat platter with well in the classic Spode Christmas Tree pattern. Displayed in a complementary shaped dark stained wood stand with turn...
Ceramic, Wood
$332Sale Price|29% Off
H 0.85 in W 8.9 in D 6.35 in
Georgian Masons Ironstone Serving Platter in rare Chrysanthemum pattern, Ca 1818
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative small rectangular serving platter by Mason's Ironstone, Lane Delph, England in the stylised Chrysanthemum pattern, dating to the very early period of Mason'...
Ironstone
$484Sale Price|53% Off
H 1.65 in W 11.6 in D 8.7 in
Antique Spode Porcelain Serving Platter Hand Painted & Gilded Ptn 967 circa 1810
By Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a fine example of an English George III period, porcelain serving platter or large oval dish, made by Spode and hand painted in candlelight Pattern 967, during the early 19t...
Porcelain
Blue and White Floral Plate Platter Spode England
By Copeland & Garrett Spode
Located in Hastings, GB
A very large blue and white 'Filigree' design platter by Copeland & Garrett Late Spode 1833-1847. Transfer printed design with draining channels, in deep cobalt blue set against the ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Spode Flower Cross Pearlware Platter
By Spode
Located in Stamford, CT
Spode Flower Cross pearlware platter. As found condition with light signs of wear from age and use.
Porcelain
$695Sale Price|22% Off
H 2.25 in W 9.5 in D 11.25 in
Rare and Fine Antique English Spode Ironstone Kakiemon Decor Warming Dish
By Spode
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceedingly rare antique English Spode ironstone Kakiemon decor warming dish. A/F slight clips to leaf near handle. Pattern number as recorded o...
Ironstone
Sold
H 0.8 in Dm 8.2 in
Georgian Spode Stone China Side Plate in Oriental Pheasant Pattern, Circa 1820
By Josiah Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative side plate by Spode, made of Stone China (Ironstone) decorated in the Oriental Pheasant pattern, dating to the Georgian period of circa 1820. The plate is circular in shape with a notched rim and is decorated in one of Spode's most vividly coloured and sought after chinoiserie patterns, the "Oriental Pheasant" pattern 2977, a very similar pattern being made by Mason's Ironstone The pattern would have been transfer printed in underglaze blue, then finely hand-painted in bold enamels, with a particularly colourful and distinctive border design. Early Spode pieces like this one are always well painted. The base has the blue printed Spode Stone China...
Ironstone
English Regency Porcelain Scarlet Japan Pattern Part Dessert Service, Spode
By Josiah Spode
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Porcelain Japan pattern part dessert service, Spode Factory, Pattern 1721, Early 19th century The service of nine pieces is painted in the Kakiemon style. In the central well with flowers in orange and gold with green leaves with a band of orange diaper with gilt flower heads and panels in color of Chinese landscapes. The rim with a outer band of diamond...
Porcelain
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H 2 in W 21 in D 16.13 in
Large Antique English 19th C. Spode Hand Ptd. Ironstone Peacock & Peony Platter
By Josiah Spode
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Rare and Fine Palatial Size Antique English early 19th century Spode Hand Painted Ironstone "Peacock & Peony" Pattern Platter. This pattern was adapted by Spode in the earliest part of the 19th century after a Chinese Export pattern of very similar color and design (originally from the late 18th century). Please note the extraordinary vibrant colors of the peacock as well as the flowers and fabulous border. This pattern, Spode's no. 2118, was originated in 1814 (when it was completely painted by hand) and bears the very first Spode Stoneware mark which is a "Chinese chop...
Ironstone
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H 15.5 in W 20 in D 1.75 in
Large Blue and White Spode Greekware Platter England Circa 1810 Neoclassical
By Josiah Spode
Located in Katonah, NY
Spode made this fabulous platter circa 1810. It is decorated in the neoclassical "Greek" pattern with classical figures and mythological scenes based on ancient Greek and Roman art. It is large, measuring 20" x 15.5" x 1.75" deep, and is perfect for hanging. The dramatic pattern shows a scene from Olympic history. At the center, Cynisca wins the four-horse chariot race at the Greek Olympic...
Earthenware
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H 0.88 in W 10.18 in D 6.88 in
Late Georgian Spode Platter Ironstone Tobacco Leaf Pattern No. 2061, circa 1825
By Josiah Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful platter, produced by the Spode factory in the distinctive Tobacco Leaf pattern. This is pattern number 2061, named the 'Tobacco Leaf' pattern. The chinoiserie ...
Ironstone
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H 1.25 in W 11.25 in D 14.75 in
Josiah Spode 15" Creamware Hand Painted Fern & Dot Platter, circa 1785
By Josiah Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare find, a medium creamware platter from Josiah Spode, circa 1785. Spode is an English brand of pottery founded by Josiah Spode (1733-1797) based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The gorgeous creamware body has a hand painted fern and dotted border in green and black. Unmarked, as these early pieces often are, showing only the initial of the painter. Measures: 14.75 in. L x 11.25 in. W x 1.25 in. H Excellent antique condition, showing the expected very light wear. A few photos show a graduated set of...
Creamware
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H 1.25 in W 14.25 in D 18.5 in
Josiah Spode 19" Creamware Hand Painted Fern & Dot Platter, circa 1785
By Josiah Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare find, a medium cream ware platter from Josiah Spode, circa 1785. Spode is an English brand of pottery founded by Josiah Spode (1733-1797) based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The gorgeous cream ware body has a hand painted fern and dotted border in green and black. Unmarked, as these early pieces often are, showing only the initial of the painter. Measures: 18.5 in. L x 14.25 in. W x 1.25 in. H Excellent antique condition, showing the expected very light wear. A few photos show a graduated set of three platters...
Creamware
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H 1.5 in W 15.75 in D 20.75 in
Josiah Spode 21" Creamware Hand Painted Fern and Dot Platter, circa 1785
By Josiah Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare find, an oversized creamware platter from Josiah Spode, circa 1785. Spode is an English brand of pottery founded by Josiah Spode (1733-1797) based in Stoke-on-Trent, England....
Creamware
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H 12.13 in W 16.75 in D 0.75 in
English 19th Century Spode Earthenware Transferware Large Platter/Tureen Stand
By Josiah Spode
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Rare antique English Spode earthenware green and white transferware large platter/ tureen stand Impressed and printed marks for Spode as identified in "Spode and Copeland Marks" b...
Earthenware
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H 1 in W 10.25 in D 6.94 in
Late Georgian Spode Platter Ironstone Willis Pattern No. 2148, circa 1825
By Josiah Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful platter, produced by the Spode factory. This is pattern number 2148, named the 'Willis' pattern. The chinoiserie decoration was transfer printed in grey under-...
Ironstone