The Engine and Boiler House Chimney in Stoke's Spode Works is over 200 years old. There has to be some danger with a lack of maintenance. Can this be saved from demolition? To stay a local landmark as a symbol of the pottery heritage of Stoke-on-Trent.
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Spode's achievements include the formulation of Bone China, which became the standard for all English chinawares, and the development and perfection of underglaze transfer printing on earthenwares, which enabled mass-production of attractively decorated ceramic items on a scale never previously achieved. By the early 1820s, his factory, now managed by his son Josiah Spode II and his business partner William Copeland, had become the largest in Stoke, employing some 2,000 workers and boasting 22 bottle ovens.
Spode's factory was in continuous production from 1774 to 2008, when it finally closed (although the brand was subsequently purchased by Portmeirion, who continue to make Spode branded wares at their own factory in Stoke). The Spode factory occupied some 90 buildings on a 9 acres (3.6 ha) site and such was the amount of space available that over the years many thousands of items that might otherwise have been thrown out were simply put into store. Consequently, over the two centuries when the factory was operational, a massive quantity of papers and objects was accumulated.
The Spode Engine and Boiler House was at the heart of its industrial success. The first steam engine was by Boulton and James Watt - a 10 Horse Power Rotative Engine which was one of the first by a pottery owner.
It was particularly memorable for all the wrong reasons for Josiah Spode III born, on August 22nd 1777. He was the second son of Josiah Spode II and the last of the Spode family to be directly involved with the famous Spode pottery manufactory. In his mid-twenties tragedy struck again when Spode III was involved in what would be described today as an 'industrial accident'. The excitement of the planning, purchase and installation of a modern, brand new steam engine from Boulton & Watt, in 1802, must still have been fresh a year later when a 'lamentable accident' occurred on him inspecting the engine, resulting in the 'immediate amputation' of Spode III's arm.
in 1810 a 36 Horse Power Boulton and Watt Beam engine was secured for the grinding of flint, stone and colours. This was the same as the engine purchased by Fenton Park Colliery Co - 2 miles from the factory where Josiah Spode 2 was an investor to ensure a supply of good coal.
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8 июл 2024