Spode reveals its refreshed logo and backstamp noting its ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ pledge to bringing a significant proportion of ceramic production back to its Stoke-on-Trent factory over the next 24 months.
As Stoke-on-Trent celebrates its centenary this June, the nation’s focus turns to a city and the companies that put Britain on the global pottery map.
Spode, one of the most influential names in the history of British ceramics, was founded by Josiah Spode I in the late 18th century. It was ideally positioned in what became known as ‘The Potteries’, a region with abundant clay and coal, as well as a skilled labour force.
It was Josiah I who brought to perfection a commercially successful method of manufacturing blue and white ceramics and it was his son, Josiah II, who discovered the correct formula for bone china. Together, these pioneering men redefined the British pottery industry; securing Britain’s competitive edge in the luxury ceramics market to successfully challenge imports from China and Europe.
Spode celebrates the Stoke-on-Trent Centenary with a limited edition run on a classic from its archive
To celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary, Spode is launching a limited-edition mug in its best-selling Blue Italian pattern on the classic Camilla shape. Available from mid-June, the limited production run will comprise 1770 pieces to reflect Spode’s birth date, all of which will be proudly made in its Stoke-on-Trent factory.
Blue Italian is one of the most iconic and enduring ceramic patterns ever produced; it has never been out of production since 1816. Featuring a romanticised Italian landscape of classic ruins, rolling hills and figures in pastoral settings, the design is printed in its distinctive cobalt blue using its pioneering transfer printing method.
Spode introduces new backstamp as part of its pledge to British manufacturing
As part of its Centenary celebrations, Spode is proud to unveil its refreshed logo and brand-new backstamp.
The redesigned logo proudly reflects the brand’s rich heritage, featuring the iconic silhouette of the original Spode factory gate – a true homage to where Spode began over two and a half centuries ago.
The re-designed backstamp, boasting its new ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ mark, heralds a return of a significant proportion of ceramic production to the UK. This initiative highlights the company’s pledge to invest in British manufacturing, ensuring a legacy of the craft continues to thrive in Stoke-on-Trent for the next 255 years and beyond. The new backstamp will be launched on the limited-edition mug in June 2025 and will start to transition onto key ranges during the second half of the year.
Commenting on the changes, Portmeirion CEO, Mike Raybould says, “Stoke-on-Trent has been the centre of the British pottery industry since the 18th century. ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ is the foundation of our 255-year-old brand DNA, and it is what our customers expect from Spode. Despite being an internationally recognised brand, we have always championed British manufacturing and this pledge markets our latest step in cementing Stoke-on-Trent at the heart of everything we do and honouring our deep-seated heritage.
Our new ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ mark will give our customers assurance their products were made with expert craftsmanship and the best quality materials. Building on our existing UK production, we are focusing on returning a significant proportion of our manufacturing back to Stoke-on-Trent over the next 24 months. We are continuously exploring innovative ways to refine our product range and production methods, ensuring they remain as efficient and cost-effective as possible while growing our UK footprint.”