Spode's Plaster Molds Created A Pottery Revolution. How did it work?

I visited the Spode Works in Stoke last week and had the chance to film the store where the factory's plaster of Paris molds were stored. Plaster of Paris molds were a revolution for 19th century pottery by enabling mass production without sacrificing the quality and detail of the designs.
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Welcome to the Spode Factory's historic slip mold store, a repository of plaster of Paris molds. These molds are crucial artifacts that highlight the evolution of mold-making techniques over the centuries. Spode, founded in 1770, was at the forefront of innovation in the pottery industry. The use of plaster molds was one of their key advancements, enabling detailed and consistent pottery production.
The Spode factory played a significant role in the development and refinement of bone china. Plaster molds were integral to this process, ensuring uniformity and quality in their products.
Many of the molds stored here are over two centuries old, representing a rich history of ceramic innovation. They offer a unique glimpse into the technological advancements of the pottery industry.
Each plaster mold was carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans. This craftsmanship is evident in the detailed and precise designs these molds could produce.
"The introduction of plaster molds allowed for the mass production of pottery without sacrificing quality. This innovation was a significant step forward for the pottery industry as a whole.
"The porosity of plaster molds made them ideal for the even drying of clay slip. This characteristic was crucial for producing uniform and high-quality pottery items.
Spode's advancements in mold-making techniques helped establish Stoke-on-Trent as a global centre for pottery. The factory's innovations had a lasting impact on the industry.
The Spode factory produced a wide range of items, all relying on the precision of plaster molds. This method ensured consistency and quality across their entire product line.
"The molds stored here reflect centuries of evolution in ceramic design and manufacturing. They are a testament to the enduring legacy of mold-making in the pottery industry.
"These storage racks once held molds that were in active use, now preserved as historical artifacts. Their preservation allows us to appreciate the technological advances of the past.
Cobwebs and dust now cover these once-active molds, symbolizing a bygone era of pottery manufacturing. Their current state contrasts with their historical significance and past utility.
Spode's innovative use of plaster molds was a key factor in its success. This technology allowed the factory to produce intricate and high-quality pottery consistently.
"Exploring these molds offers insight into the techniques that shaped the history of ceramic production. They are a physical record of the advancements in mold-making over the years.
"Thank you for joining us on this journey through the historic slip mold store of the Spode Factory. These molds represent a pivotal chapter in the history of pottery and mold-making technology.
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[@charlieseakins7915]

We were making table ware including very large platters and bowls all jiggered. Now the market is changing again here in nz and we mainly make mugs with jiggered bodies and slip cast handles. We recently made eighty mugs with separate handles for a play about the ladies who applied the handles at Crown Lynn that was once the largest pottery in the Southern hemisphere. Our moulds are almost worn out now. The play is called "The Handlers "

[@charlieseakins7915]

Very interesting. Not many sites like this left. Reminds me of the mould maker here in new Zealand I used to use. Sadly all gone now and the mould makers have retired. Thanks for posting

[@PotteriesAuthor]

Thanks for sharing your experience. What sort of pottery were you making?

[@charlieseakins7915]

We bisque fired the mugs and the actors applied the handles with a tiny bit of white tac to make them stick ha