In 1770, the outstanding skills and creativity of Josiah Spode were realized when he opened his factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England. During his life, Josiah Spode perfected many techniques, two of which were blue underglaze printing and the formula for Fine Bone China. Perfecting the process for blue underglaze printing on earthenware from hand engraved copper plates in 1784. Ever since the introduction of this process, Spode's original blue and white designs have become some of the most collectable and sought after in the history of ceramics. These wonderful techniques which allow Spode to continually introduce new collections year after year creating items for collectors of the future.