Pots of Orchids: the Spode Bateman Connection

I have a fondness for botanical illustration and a passion for pots. It is these personal interests together with my role as Curator at the Spode museum which led to me noticing the elements of this story. It is a tale of discovery - an unexpected connection between a Staffordshire pottery and a Staffordshire plantsman.

Spode was a world famous pottery manufactory from England. It had its roots in the middle of the 1700s and operated until its closure in 2009. In 2013i it remains a worldwide brand as part of the Portmeirion Group.