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The Business: London Retail

Portugal Street premises watercolorWhen Josiah Spode II married Elizabeth Barker in 1775, two substantial potting families united. He was only 20 years of age, but Josiah II was already a seasoned potter and had great ambitions for his family business and his own future.  It seems both sets of parents expected the young couple to remove to London to establish a retail business where their Staffordshire  products could be sold wholesale and retail. Josiah and Elizabeth remained in Stoke as they prepared for the London venture.

In 1776 and 1777 their sons, William and Josiah Spode III were baptized at Stoke-upon-Trent.  Spode II worked to acquire the proper credentials for his London shop.

London retail business
Expanding the business
Partnership with Copeland