Tumbledown Dick by Spode
Tumbledown Dick was first introduced around 1820 with pattern number 2987. The pattern is a copy, or close representation, of a Chinese design of the Yung Cheng period (1723 - 1735). The pattern was produced at Spode in many versions. It was often printed and then colored. It was also printed and then painted with ackey (a water soluble resist) which allowed the pattern to remain unaffected when a subsequent transfer print of a sheet pattern was applied over the whole surface. At the washing-off stage (when the transfer paper is removed) the areas of the transferred sheet pattern which were over the ackey were washed away leaving the outline of the first pattern. This could then be hand colored after the glost firing. This technique was used for a number of patterns when a combination of prints were used. Tumbledown Dick was often used with Marble Sheet as in pattern 3716 from 1823.
The name Tumbledown Dick was probably a factory or a collectors' name rather than one chosen for marketing purposes. One theory is that the name derives from an upside-down dickie bird. In 1980 Tumbledown Dick was produced as dinnerware on fine stone body and named Prince Regent. It had pattern number W160. This version was probably retired in the late 1980s. All of the fine stone was discontinued in 1995.
Spode Tumbledown Dick is no longer produced. Versions of this pattern that are trimmed with gold are not safe for use in the microwave. If you need replacement or additional pieces for your collection of Spode Tumbledown Dick, monitor this page on a weekly basis for new listings.
If the item you are looking for is not listed, then bookmark this page and check back each week!
Eventually, your item should show up for sale.
When it comes to finding Spode that is difficult to find in stores near you, one of your best resources for acquiring the items you want are sites like Amazon, Etsy, Replacements and eBay, where there are a lot of wonderful finds still in the original boxes. We all receive those odd items as gifts that we have no need for and never use. Yet, one person's junk could be exactly the treasure you want.
Please Note: Not all Spode is safe for use in the microwave. Patterns with gold or platinum decorations around the rim should not be used in your microwave because microwaves can not pass through metal. If in doubt, use this simple test: Is this Utensil Safe for the Microwave?
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