Influential innovation

There’s something about the moment you stumble across a piece of Spode Italian Blue that never fails to spark excitement. Holding this one up for the first time, I felt the weight of history in my hands — a design that has been around since the early 1800s, instantly recognisable with its deep cobalt blue and intricate scenes. We picked this particular piece up in Derby, and although Italian Blue is a pattern you’ll find in antique shops and markets all over the country, each discovery still feels special. For me, it’s not just about the pattern’s popularity, but the story it carries from one table to another, generation after generation.

Beyond the excitement of the find itself, what makes these moments memorable is the journey we are on at Boudicca Antiques. We have a passion for uncovering and sharing the stories behind fine bone china and porcelain, whether it’s a much-loved Royal Albert tea set or a timeless piece of Spode. Every trip to a fair or market adds to our experience — and this Italian Blue piece from Derby is just one example of how our collection grows through curiosity and persistence.

The Spode Italian Blue pattern has one of the richest legacies in English ceramics. Introduced in 1816, it quickly became a household favourite for its romantic landscapes inspired by Italian countryside scenes, framed with a delicate Imari-style border. What makes it remarkable is its longevity — more than 200 years on, the pattern is still in production, making it one of the longest continuously manufactured designs in ceramic history. For collectors, that means you’ll encounter both antique 19th-century examples and later 20th-century pieces, often side by side at fairs and antique shops.

Although Italian Blue Spode is relatively common across the UK — from Norwich to London to small-town markets — each individual plate, cup, or serving piece carries a story. Some have been carefully kept in families for generations, while others show the gentle wear of a century of use. Part of the joy for us is recognising these histories and ensuring each piece finds a new home where it will continue to be appreciated.

At Boudicca Antiques, we specialise in buying and valuing Spode, Royal Albert, and other fine bone china. Whether you have a full service to sell or just a single plate tucked away in a cupboard, we’re always keen to hear from you. If you’re in Norwich, Norfolk, or anywhere in the UK, we make the process simple with quick valuations and arranged collection.