Spode Museum

About the museum

Josiah Spode I took over a pottery site in Stoke in 1776, and Spode wares were made there until the factory closed in 2008. In 1987 the company set up the Spode Museum Trust, an independent charity, and gave it the collection and archive so that they would be protected whatever happened to the business.

When the factory closed, the collection was put into storage. The Trust opened the current museum in 2012 in one of the period buildings on the former works site. The collection was built up largely by the Copeland family and has grown through later donations. It covers more than 200 years of production and includes ceramics, documents, copper printing plates and moulds.

Only part of the collection can be shown because of limited space, and the Trust has received a research grant to appoint a curator and widen what is on display. The museum runs bookable tours of the Blue Room, the museum and the factory site, and a digital museum offers online walkthroughs.

Highlights

• The Blue Room: hundreds of blue transfer-printed pieces made at Spode c. 1790–1847, viewed on guided tours
• Collection spanning more than 200 years of Spode and Copeland production
• Archive of documents, copper printing plates and moulds
• Tours of the museum, the Garrett Room store and the factory site
• Digital museum with online site walkthroughs

Permanent exhibition

• The Blue Room – A room of hundreds of blue transfer-printed pieces made at Spode between about 1790 and 1847, shown with Chinese porcelain that inspired the designs. It is seen on private guided tours.

Operated by

Spode Museum Trust (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free. Guided tours (for example of the Blue Room) carry a small charge per visitor; the amount is not published.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift serves the first floor. The Lower Gallery room is described as fully accessible. No further access details are published.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Children are welcome and baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

By car, follow the signs for Stoke and Spode from the A500. Coaches can drop off opposite the Elenora Street gate. On foot from the station: turn right, then right onto Glebe Street, go under the railway bridge and over the A500, then turn right onto Copeland Street and left onto Elenora Street.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells antique, vintage and modern Spode and Copeland ceramics and art prints. The on-site café, The Little Vintage Tea Room, announced that its last day of trading was 20 September 2026 and that a new operator is being sought.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 66 guests.

Four rooms can be hired: the Italian Suite (up to 66 in theatre style, with a civil ceremony licence), the Hewitt Room (up to 42), the Daniel Room (up to 42) and the Lower Gallery for community groups.

Plan your visit