History of the Factory

• 1754-1776 Josiah Spode I works as a journeyman and rents various premises making creamware, blue painted earthenware, caneware, basalt and redware.
• 1776 Spode I buys the present site with sons Josiah II (21) and Samuel (19) in charge until the Mountford agreement ends.
• 1778 Spode II moves to London, taking premises 29 Fore Street and becomes a member of the Spectacle Makers’ Company, to enable him to trade.
• 1784 The art of underglaze blue printing is mastered by Spode I.  William Copeland (19) employed by Spode II in London.  The Commutation Act reduces the tax on tea from 119% to 12.5%.
• 1785-1789 London business thrives, moving to ever larger premises.
• 1796 Champion’s Patent for true porcelain expires.  Spode I is ready with English China.  An invoice to William Tatton proves that some form of china had been made and marketed by this year. Extensive premises at No. 5 Portugal Street acquired.
• 1797 William Taylor Copeland born; Josiah Spode I dies.  Spode II has to return to Stoke.
• 1800  Bone china went into production.

Spode Factory