Spode Diary

Welcome to the Spode Diary at Kings and Queens 2007


February/March 2007
February sees the announcement of launches of new products for 2007. There are 3 new collections and a number of line extensions to existing patterns. Many new items will be available later in the year but we have already included them on the site so our customers can see what's new and of course all new items can be pre-ordered. If you would like to pre-order any of the new pieces we will of course do our very best to get the goods to you as soon as possible but if you included new items with a larger order, the whole order will be delayed until the new items are available.
A number of Spode's popular collections are being extended. From the prestigious Charles F Hurten collection to the ever popular Blue Room mugs there is something for everyone. The Charles F Hurten Tall Vase is a limited edition piece of 50 and is decorated both back and front with exquisitely detailed roses and butterflies. This piece would enhance any collection and is a wise investment as the limited run of 50 will make it highly sort after not only today, but for years to come.

Fruit Haven is extended to include both tablemats and coasters and Woodland sees further Hunting Dog pieces. Originally launched in 2006 as part of the main Woodland pattern only 10" dinner plates were available. The collection now offers 8" salad/dessert plates as well as mugs. The collection is based on four of our most popular breeds of hunting dogs; Black Labrador, Golden Retriever, English Springer Spaniel and Flat Coat Pointer, these pieces are a must for dog lovers everywhere.

Blue Room
The ever popular Blue Room Mugs sees new ranges in 2007. The contemporary designs of the Graphic range are retro with a touch of psychadelia. Squares, circles and geometric designs make these mugs appealing and a little masculine, an ideal gift for the man who likes his coffee with a little style. The second range is far more traditional depicting floral designs on a white background. Aptly named "Chintz" they evoke images of a country cottage on a warm summer day.
Also new to The Blue Room is the 2007 Santa's Big Day Annual Plate. This year the plate depicts Santa's attempt to hitch up his sleigh to some apparently uncooperative reindeers and is aptly named "Reindeer Round Up"
Christmas Pieces
Later in 2007 new Christmas items will be launched. The Christmas Tree Annual Plate and mug show a depiction of the Christmas Carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". There are swans, geese, gold rings all under a pear tree, both items will be available in September/October.
The ever popular Christmas Tree pattern welcomes new platters in 3 sizes as well as other practical serving pieces such as a cake plate and server, chip and dip and a 3 piece party pack. Christmas shaped items introduced in 2005/2006 have proved so successful that more serving items are added to the range along with a charming range of mini trays in 3 different shapes.
The most charming piece for 2007 must be the pie dish and Pie Bird. The little bird has a bright red bill and a festively decorated chest and is the perfect addition to this timeless range. New to Christmas Tree is the Red Ribbons Collection. Including a 2007 commemorative plate this small range of serveware will add a festive splash of colour to any Christmas table.
Chicory Hymn

This new and exciting pattern from Kim Parker, award-winning American designer, is bold and full of summer. large yellow flowers set against a verigated blue/green background is stunning. Plates come both with full face decoration and rim only pattern so each set can be assembled to suit individual tastes. The collection offers a full range of tableware with 3 size plates, bowls and serving pieces. The pattern could also be collected as a stand alone Tea of Coffee set incorporating either 2 different cup sizes and 3 different designs in mugs.

The whole collection is completed with a small giftware range including votive candles and vase. Kim Parker gives the Spode brand permission to explore design styles beyond its more traditional archival interpretations. Kim's designs have a modern Arts and Crafts quality, which is a lovely complement to the historical artisanal characteristics of Spode.

Emma's Garland
The second pattern from Kim Parker is Emma's Garland. Offering the same bold design as Chicory Hymn, Emma's Garland is taken from a pink and red palette The pattern is also remeniscent of the centurys old Welsh design found on Llanlli-ware.

Kim has said of her two Spode designs "I was inspired to create floral patterns which would have both the joyful color and exuberance of a Spring celebration. I painted each piece with its own individual design because I love combining richly colorful pattern, whether in an interior, or upon a table. I don't think a dinner table has to be a timid, minimalist experience; to the contrary, I think it should celebrate life, and be part of the joyful occasion."
Flowers of the Month

The final new launch to be announced in February is the Flowers of the Month collection. A gift boxed set of mug and coaster showing flowers associated with each month makes the perfect gift for any occassion. Due to be launched in June / July 2007 this attractive and practical range will solve many Christmas present headaches.

January 2007
We would like to begin by wishing all our customers a Happy New Year and thank you all for your support in 2006.

Christmas had many problems but the most difficult problem was waiting times.
It is not possible for us to hold stocks of all items but we do endeavor to hold the most popular lines. Unfortunately it was difficult to get hold of any stock over Christmas and Spode took far too long to fulfil our orders.
We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience this caused some of our customers and we continue to strive to improve the situation. Some older and well established companies take longer to appreciate the demands of internet trading and although our other partners such as Portmeirion and Denby seem to have embraced the changing market place we think Spode, and its sister company Royal Worcester, need a little more convincing.

Spode have started the year with a rationalization of their product ranges

We say goodbye to a number of favorites which will be greatly missed
Ranges to be retired in their entirety are:
Penny lane
English Delftware
New England
Mansard
Virginia
Butterfly Garden
Chancellor Cobalt
Chinese Rose
Geranium Blue
Marlborough Sprays
Classic Pooh
Edwardian Childhood
Home Accents
Jewel
Herrings Hunt
Disney Christmas
Cranberry

Blue Italian also sees some retirements making the range reflect a more contemporary customer demand. This is also reflected in the blue room collection where we see Blue Room Annuals, Blue Room Cappuccino Cups and Saucers, Blue Room Jelly Moulds, Blue Room Jugs, Blue Room Miniature Plates, Blue Room Oval Dishes and Blue Room Georgian Glass Candles all retire at the start of 2007.
All other existing ranges also see retirements and the Kings and Queens web site is now up dated, showing only the available items in each range.

Like many companies Spode reveal their new products for the coming year at the International Spring Fair at the beginning of February. We will include all new information on the diary page as soon as it becomes available.

To view previous years Diaries please use the link below
2006

We aim to offer the same friendly and professional service which has come to be the trade mark of Kings and Queens since the launch of our first site 2001.

Spode at www.kingsandqueensgifts.co.uk joins

Portmeirion at www.kingsandqueenswales.com

Denby at www.kingsandqueenswales.co.uk and

Myth and Magic at www.kingsandqueenswizardsanddragons.co.uk

Royal Worcester at www.kingsandqueensgifts.co.uk


We will update the diary page to contain the most up to date information about Spode and its products throughout the year.