Stoke-on Trent is known here as Bertie’s birthplace, on 18th March 2019.
Elsewhere it may be better known as the world capital of ceramics, quite a boast. One of its most famous names is Josiah Spode who pioneered some innovative techniques but I don’t want to get bogged down in detail yet. His son, another Josiah, inherited the business when his father died suddenly in 1797.
One of his most popular and enduring patterns is Blue Italian which I have been using for decades. The Blue Italian design was launched by Josiah Spode II in 1816, and this decorative vignette provided the perfect showcase for his father’s revolutionary blue underglaze transfer printing process. It depicts a classic Italianate landscape – although the origins of the scene remain a mystery, as no single place in Italy seems to match the various elements. Nevertheless, it brought huge success for Spode and in the 1930s one catalogue recorded over 700 different items available. It has certainly proved long lasting, perhaps due to its unique combination of European and Asian design – ‘the classical Italian scene coupled with the Imari- inspired border,’ says Paul Holdway, former Head Engraver at Spode, and one of the Trustees of the Spode Museum Trust. ‘This, along with the fine quality of its hand engraving and use of cobalt blue printing, was a winning formula.’ (Spode)
The background for the introduction of Blue Italian is of interest. During a time when many rich, upper-class young men took trips through Europe, with Italy as a key destination, Spode found that the trend for oriental designs evolved into a desire for European landscapes and scenes. With this in mind, Josiah II created a design that was the perfect blend of the two. It has been in production ever since although Spode is now made by the Portmeirion pottery company, which produces some of the former Spode patterns including Blue Italian.
For the avoidance of doubt, Roderick Spode confined his activities to selling ladies’ underwear at Eulalie Soeurs.
One learns so much from your blogs, Christopher.
Thank goodness for the intelligence from the Junior Ganymede
I was at University with one Copeland, and shared a flat with his brother. The family owned the business variously in the 19th and 20th c. They also owned Trelissick in the Fal Estuary. I think it is now NT, although one of them still lives in a cottage there.
Fascinating presentation.As always.
Your unique style is such a hit!
Many thanks.
I’m sure I recall that when Roderick’s uncle died he became Ld Spodecup and gave up designing ladies underwear. Surely he must have had some interest in the ceramics business?