Copeland, William Taylor (1797-1868), was head of the Spode pottery works in central England. He employed leading artists and sculptors to design the popular groups and statuettes that his factory produced. Copeland invented a filter press for working clay. With his partner, Thomas Garrett, he developed a substance called Parian, an imitation marble.
Copeland was born on March 24, 1797, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. In addition to running his pottery works, Copeland was active in the political life of England. In 1828 and 1829, he served as the sheriff of London and Middlesex. He was an alderman in London and became lord mayor of the city in 1835. He was also a member of the English Parliament for several years. Copeland died on April 12, 1868.
See also Porcelain .
