NEW ERA FOR SPODE
(02.06.10)
Since April 2009 when Portmeirion Group made the momentous acquisition of Spode, the company’s primary objective has been to lay the foundations for a new era for this great brand.

BAKING DAYS:
Since coming under Portmeirion Group ownership, the fresh, fashionable Baking Days range has seen the addition of a co-ordinating multi-colour spot design. At Exclusively Housewares there will be a number of range extensions to the multicolour spot design including a rectangular handled dish, square dish, round covered deep dish, oval rim dish, oval dish and ramekins.

ASYMMETRY:
The first new introduction to the Spode range under Portmeirion Group’s new ownership, Asymmetry is a unique blend of sophisticated contemporary design and practicality which brings Spode's history of innovation in terms of shape completely up to date.

Spode worked with Aiden Byrne, rising star of the great British chef scene, to develop this collection. Aiden became the youngest chef to be awarded a Michelin star, aged just 22. With a first class reputation for modern British cooking, he is an advocate for working with locally sourced, British produce, highlighting the importance of using the best seasonal ingredients. Having put Asymmetry's professional quality standards to the test in his restaurant kitchen, the collection has proven to be perfect for Aiden's sole aim - to produce beautiful - as well as tasty - plates of food.

Asymmetry is created from highly durable porcelain with a rolled edge for professional levels of chip resistance. Dishwasher and microwave safe, the high performance pieces can go straight from freezer to hot oven to table - a beautiful, strong and practical range for everyday living.

Last but not least Spode will be re-introducing its famous Blue Room mugs (see photo) – you’ll see them first at Exclusively Housewares on Stand 454!

In addition, Spode's heritage ranges will also be featured:

BLUE ITALIAN:
Launched in 1816, Blue Italian is one of the collections that secured Spode's reputation as a leader in the ceramic industry; it is now one of Spode’s most collected ranges and is considered to be a design icon. Inspired by scenes of the Italian countryside featuring remarkably detailed figures amongst Roman ruins and framed by an 18th century Imari Oriental border, this incredibly beautiful design captures the essence of a sunny Italian day.

Little idiosyncrasies in the pattern have evolved over time and make for a fascinating element to this stunning collection. Depending on the designer, a piece may have three sheep whilst another piece might have two and these little differences brought about by personal preference continue throughout the whole collection.

WOODLAND:
Woodland is another of Spode’s striking designs featuring different studies of British game animals, framed with a floral border dating from 1828. This beautiful range perfectly encapsulates country living, bringing a unique decorative element to the home.

STAFFORD FLOWERS:
Superb botanical illustrations give each piece in the Stafford Flowers collection a different central floral motif enhanced by a 22 gold carat gilding as well as raised gold spots which are used to further embellish this luxurious example of classic Spode.

CHRISTMAS TREE:
Spode's Christmas Tree collection is probably the world's favourite festive dinnerware collection based on the phenomenal number of pieces sold each year. Featuring a delightful Christmas Tree scene, it was originally designed for the US market in the 1930’s. The range continues to grow and features myriad variations of patterns and shapes and new introductions every year.