Beautiful Britain Unveiled: Japanese Community Explores Wedgwood & Spode in Exclusive Tour
London, UK – A specialized tour catering to the Japanese community in the UK has offered a fascinating glimpse into the heart of British ceramic history, sparking renewed interest in the iconic Wedgwood and Spode brands. The “Beautiful British Journey” tour, advertised in the free Japanese newspaper Classified, provided attendees with an immersive experience of Staffordshire’s famed pottery industry, a story that’s quickly gaining traction as breaking news within the expat community.
From Classified Ad to Ceramic Dreams
The journey began with a simple advertisement in Classified, a vital resource for Japanese nationals living in the UK. One participant, eager to explore her long-held interest in British ceramics, quickly secured a spot on the half-term tour focusing on Wedgwood and Spode. “I’d been wanting to visit these factories for so long,” she shared, highlighting the tour’s appeal to those seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Stoke-on-Trent: A History Forged in Clay and Coal
The tour’s destination, Stoke-on-Trent, is more than just a city; it’s a testament to centuries of ceramic innovation. Formed in 1910 from the amalgamation of six towns – Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton, and Longton – the area’s motto, “Vis Unita Fortior” (United Strength is Stronger), perfectly encapsulates its collaborative spirit. But the story goes back much further. From humble beginnings supplying local markets in the 16th and 17th centuries, the region blossomed, influenced by imported Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the Dutch Delftware tradition.
The real turning point came with the abundance of local resources: high-quality clay, readily available coal to fuel the kilns, and a community of skilled artisans. Josiah Wedgwood, arriving in 1759, wasn’t simply a potter; he was a relentless innovator. His research, alongside contemporaries like Josiah Spode, Thomas Minton, and others, laid the foundation for the Staffordshire Potteries’ global dominance.
Wedgwood: A Legacy of Elegance and Innovation
The first stop was Wedgwood in Barlaston, where visitors were greeted by a bronze statue of the founder holding the famed Portland Vase. The factory tour offered a captivating look at the intricate production process, from molding and painting to the final finishing touches. While the gift shop showcased exquisite Jasper Ware, many attendees, like our participant, opted for the more affordable Queen’s Ware collection at the Factory Shop – a line popularized with the blessing of Queen Charlotte herself in 1765.
Wedgwood’s journey hasn’t been without its shifts. Acquired by Waterford Glass Group in 1986, then KPS Capital Partners in 2009, and finally by Fiskars Corporation in 2015 (alongside Royal Copenhagen and Iittala), the brand continues to evolve while preserving its heritage.
Spode: Blue Italian and the Power of Transfer Printing
Next, the tour moved on to Spode, a factory steeped in a different kind of history. Unlike Wedgwood’s grandeur, Spode’s aged brick buildings exuded a sense of enduring tradition. Founded in 1770 by Josiah Spode, the company revolutionized ceramic production with its copperplate transfer technology in 1784, making beautiful designs accessible to a wider audience.
It was Josiah Spode’s son, however, who perfected the process for creating “fine bone china” in 1799, adding strength and translucency to the material. The iconic “Blue Italian” collection, launched in 1816, remains a bestseller to this day, a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design. The tour participant purchased dinner plates, mugs, and calendar plates from the “Blue Room Collection,” adding to her growing collection.
Beyond the Factories: A Glimpse into Stoke-on-Trent’s Soul
The tour wasn’t confined to the factory floors. A visit to Stoke Minster revealed the final resting places of the Wedgwood and Spode families, alongside stunning Minton tile decorations. The area boasts numerous other historic pottery sites, including the Potteries Museum, the Etruria Industrial Museum, and the Gladstone Pottery Center, offering a deeper dive into the region’s ceramic legacy.
The tour’s success highlights a growing interest in heritage tourism, particularly among niche communities like the Japanese expats in the UK. It’s a reminder that even in a rapidly changing world, the allure of craftsmanship, history, and cultural exploration remains strong. As Spode and Wedgwood continue to adapt to modern markets under the Portmeirion Group and Fiskars Corporation respectively, their stories – and the stories of those who seek to understand them – will undoubtedly continue to unfold.
For those inspired to explore the world of British ceramics, resources like the Wedgwood Visitor Centre (https://www.wedgwood.com/visit-us) and the Spode Museum (https://www.spodemuseum.co.uk/) offer a starting point for further discovery. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more breaking news and in-depth features on cultural experiences around the globe. We’re committed to delivering timely, relevant content that enriches your understanding of the world.
