Spode Zoological Gardens Cup & Saucer, 290ml
Product description
Product code: 68287704
Made in the UK
From the John Lewis & Partners + Spode exclusive collaboration, this cup and saucer set features a reimagined print inspired by Spode's archives. Made of strong English earthenware, it's dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe. This giftable piece and its packaging are made in the UK.
Celebrating 250 years of craftsmanship, the Zoological Gardens range is a modern melding of Spode's heritage designs, traditionally made in Stoke-on-Trent. John Lewis & Partners was fully involved in the research and selection of the Zoological Gardens shapes and patterns.
Zoological Gardens
The Zoological Gardens range draws inspiration from two well-known Spode tableware shapes: the traditional Camilla shape and the contemporary Artisan shape. The Zoological Gardens pattern is a mixture of three classic Spode designs: Zoological, Aesop's Fable and Indian Sporting Scenes.
The Zoological design was first introduced in the 19th century when many of the exotic animals depicted were regarded as curiosities and not widely known at the time. As well as wildlife motifs, Spode turned to well-known literacy themes and subjects in the performing arts to create new inspirational patterns, such as the Aesop's Fable design in the 1830s. In the 1810s, Spode produced Indian Sporting Scenes with images of exotic, faraway places to stimulate the British public.
"We wanted to create something new and surprising from the past to celebrate Spode's 250-year anniversary. Our exclusive Zoological Gardens range combines two of this iconic British brand's most recognisable shapes, with an amalgamation of three designs from its history, in a contemporary colour palette. But what I love most is the fact that Spode still manufactures its products in the UK – from the shape to decoration and even the packaging, every element of Zoological Gardens has been designed and made in the UK, something I feel really proud of."
Scott Bartle, Partner and Junior Buyer for Tabletop at John Lewis & Partners
Choose the perfect china
All our china is made from clay and kiln-fired for durability. Except for pieces with special trims, everything is dishwasher-safe. Below are a few options to consider when choosing your perfect china.
| Earthenware | Strong and practical, earthenware is often a little thicker than other ceramics, making it ideal for everyday use. |
| Stoneware | Fired at high temperatures, stoneware is very tough and heat-resistant. It comes in a number of different glaze finishes. |
| Porcelain | Affordable yet luxurious, porcelain is renowned for its translucency. Fired at high temperatures, porcelain has an extremely tough glazed surface, making it durable. |
| Fine china | The synthetic bone ash used in fine china makes it a more affordable alternative to bone china. Like bone china, it's strong, translucent and delicate, and creamier in colour. |
| New bone china | A type of porcelain with added calcium oxide to achieve a similar aesthetic as bone china, but without animal bone ash. |
| Bone china | White bone china is the strongest and most translucent ceramic. Though it looks delicate, it's tough enough for daily use and is usually dishwasher-safe. It contains at least 35% bone ash. |
Product specification
- Brand
- Spode
- Capacity
- 290ml
- Composition
- Earthenware
- Country of Origin
- UK
- Dimensions
- H9.5 x Dia.16cm
- Dishwasher Safe
- Yes
- Exclusive to John Lewis
- Exclusive
- Freezer Safe
- Yes
- Microwave Safe
- Yes
- Oven Safe
- Yes, to 180°C