Thomas Whieldon (1719-1795) was one of the most respected and well known potters of his time. By 1740, he was the master of pottery at Fenton Low. His talent and renown picked up gradually and by 1748 he was known to have only taken in nineteen employees, one of which was Josiah Spode.
Spode was talented and followed the footsteps of Whieldon, but he decided to leave when Whieldon had taken Josiah Wedgwood as a close business partner. In about 1780, Whieldon decided to retire but because of his experience and talent in the art he did, he started and helped boost the careers of Wedgwood and other famous potters. Whieldon was known for making the Tortoiseshelle Ware. He produced this product by applying the chemical elements copper and manganese to a cream coloured earthenware in order to stain it. Almost immediately after staining the piece would be coated with a clear glaze so as to maintain its solid texture.