It seems impossible that a company that has been in existence for around 250 years although it merged with Waterford Crystal in 1987 to form Waterford Wedgwood.

A direct descendent of Josiah Wedgwood, the company’s founder, has criticised recent management decisions. Tom Wedgwood has said that the company has a strong market in Japan and China which it has been unable to meet. However, since production has been moved from Wedgwood’s traditional home of Stoke-on-Trent to Indonesia, demand in these countries has fallen. He argues the Chinese and Japanese want genuine Wedgwood made in the UK. He also says that the company was struggling before the present recession.

Whatever the reasons behind its problems, it is very sad that it should find itself in trouble.

The prestigious Royal Worcester and Spode company has gone into administration. Makers of fine quality ceramics for over 250 years, the company numbered the Queen of England among its customers.

It filed for administration late yesterday (Nov 6), apparently another victim of the worldwide recession. It leaves 388 workers, mostly in Worcester and Stoke-on-Trent (England) wondering what is going to happen to their jobs and, indeed, will they still have jobs.

Price Cooperhouse, the Administrators, are trying to find a buyer for the company and said, “The business has a great heritage, a great product range, a Royal Warrant, and while we cannot guarantee a sale we will do all we can.”

How sad that such an historic company, makers of high quality pottery and porcelain, should finally succumb to current economic circumstances after withstanding wars, downturns and recessions for more than two and a half centuries.

Read about the history of Spode.