For most collectors of majolica, W.P. Copeland is known as the maker of the glorious Lotus Pitcher which we've written about before. Copeland however made far more than just the Lotus Pitcher. They made a full line of majolica wares with impeccable design and craftsmanship.
Copeland Convolvulus vase
The history of the Spode Works is a long and complicated one. Established in 1770 by Josiah Spode I as the Spode Works and operated until 1797 by members of the Spode family, William Copeland joined the firm and operated it with Josiah Spode II until his death in 1826. In 1833 his son, William Taylor Copeland joined in partnership with Thomas Garrett and the company operated under the name of Copeland & Garrett. At Garrett's retirement in 1847 William Taylor Copeland purchased the Spode company and operated it alone under the W.T. Copeland name with the Spode name retained as a separate brand. In 1867 Copeland’s four sons joined the firm and the company was renamed W.T. Copeland & Sons.
The Spode Works of W.T. Copeland & Sons c.1930
Bottle kilns at the Spode Works
The showroom of W.T. Copeland & Sons c. 1900
The company remained in the Copeland family until 1966. In 1970 the company was renamed Spode Ltd. in honor of the company's 200th anniversary. It remains in business today.
It was W.T. Copeland who introduced majolica into the Spode Works earthenware line. The company made vases, decorative urns, posy holders and jardinieres of exceptional quality...
Copeland majolica vase
Copeland majolica squirrel vae
Copeland swan vase
Copeland majolica jardiniere
Copeland majolica pansy jardiniere
Copeland majolica vase
Copeland majolica Rennaisance Vase
Copeland majolica Louis XVI vase
A special piece made for the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition
Copeland majolica jardiniere and stand
Copeland majolica vase
Copeland majolica triple frog vase
Copeland majolica triple frog vase
Copeland majolica primrose vase
... centerpieces for fruit or flowers...
Copeland majolica centre
... wine coolers...
... and teapots, ewers and pitchers, starting with the famous Lotus pitcher and its syrup counterpart.
Copeland majolica lotus vase
Copeland majolica lotus pitcher syrup
Copeland majolica acorn vase
Copeland majolica stand for the above ewer
A pitcher created especially for the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition
Copeland majolica Renaissance Revival jug
Copeland majolica creamer
Copeland majolica cauliflower teapot
They made various serving pieces for the Victorian table...
Copeland majolica crab tureen
Copeland majolica butter dish
Copeland game terrine
Copeland majolica sauce dish
Copeland majolica lapwing egg server
Copeland majolica nesting bird dish
...decorative table holders for sweetmeats, salt or flowers...
Copeland majolica putti sweetmeat
Copeland majolica sweetmeat dishes
Copeland majolica basket
Copeland majolica loving cups
... serving pieces of different types like spooners and a cheese bell...
Copeland majolica spooner
Copeland majolica spooner
Copeland majolica primrose cheese bell
...oyster plates, dessert plates, butter pats and servers.
Copeland majolica oyster plate
Copeland majolica oyster plate
Copeland majolica butter pat
They made boxes for cigarettes, sardines, etc...
Copeland majolica sardine box
...figurals and wall pieces...
"Sloth and Mischief" modeled by Malempr'e
Copeland majolica vase "Winter"
... columns for display and garden seats...
Copeland garden seat
and candle holders.
Copeland majolica candleabras
They also made tiles.
Dating Copeland majolica is quite easy. I've explained how in a previous
post.
Today the W.T. Copeland & Sons name has disappeared. The older Spode name is used exclusively for the company's output, or occasionally as Copeland Spode. The Copeland period is usually referred to as Late Spode. W.T. Copeland and Sons is a name of the past, like the fanciful majolica once potted there.
Wonderful article as usual. Many thanks.
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