The Spode Copeland Spode story has been compiled from hitherto unpublished material from the family archives at Trelissick Mansion, Cornwall, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Copeland, and from detailed research of the records in the Spode archives.
It traces not only the history of the wares which were produced for over two hundred years but describes the evolution of the first small Spode pottery to the development of a nine acre site in the centre of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. It also traces the development of bone china and parian ware throughout the changing market conditions of this time and the adaptation of production from coal firing to the use of gas and electricity.
It emphasizes the importance of the family's dedication to the product and the skill of the workers they employed.
It records the names and specialities of over 200 artists and gilders and the appendices have been compiled to help collectors to identify many of these, showing the vast range of ware which is collectable today.