The first development of porcelain, later known as Bone China, was initiated in 1748 by Thomas Frye of Bow’s porcelain workshop near Bow City in East London. His workshop is located near the cattle ranch and slaughterhouse in Esex, so he has a wide range of uses for animal bones. Thomas Frye uses at least 45% animal bone ash in his recipe to create what he calls “fine porcelain”. Although the quality of this product can compete with porcelain imported from Europe and China, his pottery studio was not successful in commercial use.
Later, Josiah Spode of Stoke developed further, and completed his formula sometime between 1789 and 1793.
Instead of burning bones with a few other ingredients like Thomas Frye, he just burned bones. Bone china quickly gained popularity and was introduced by other British ceramic manufacturers.
Both Josiah Spode’s recipe and business were successful: his recipe with 6 parts bone ash, 4 parts minerals, and 3.5 parts clay still holds the groundwork for bone china.
Only in 2009, the Spode workshop was sold to the Portmeirion company. From its development until the late 20th century, bone china was almost exclusively owned by the UK, with production being restricted to the Stoke-On-Trent region.