29 April 2011

Spode and Royal Weddings

It seemed appropriate on Royal Wedding Day 2011 to give a mention to the Spode Royal connections.

The first Royal Warrant awarded to Spode was in 1806. Many have followed since. Spode had customers from royal families all over the world throughout its long history.

Pictured here is a plate from the dessert service commissioned by HRH the Prince of Wales to mark his wedding to Princess Alexandra in 1863.

The order was for a dessert service produced on fully-pierced 'Festoon Embossed' shape, with panels of oranges and blossom alternated with panels of roses painted by Charles Ferdinand Hürten. The design included a linked AE monogram in the centre for Edward and Alexandra. Beautiful gilding completed the design.

There were many pieces in the service including huge centrepieces supported by parian figures.