Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte-colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors.
The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware.
Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th-century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.
From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.
Find antique Wedgwood pottery on 1stDibs.
Published Arts and Crafts Wedgwood Green Dip Jasper Ware 25 Hour Clock (& Book)
By Wedgwood
Located in Asheville, NC
This clock case was potted in Josiah Wedgwood's own Etruria factory in the Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, around 1900. The 25 hour brass-tone metal works is from ...
Brass
Arts & Crafts Oak Cased Mantel Clock with Copper Dial
Located in Norwich, GB
Arts & Crafts oak cased mantel clock. Two columns with brass capitals support either side of the dial with brass inlay decoration to the front panel. Copper dial...
Copper
Quarter Sawn Oak Arts & Crafts Floor Clock with Cabinet
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Here is a unique Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak floor clock with several cabinet spaces and a single drawer. It features a copper face & hands. the movement needs to be cleaned & adj...
Oak
$2,908
H 17.4 in W 12.5 in D 8.1 in
Large Antique Arts & Crafts Nutwood with Inlay Table or Mantel Clock, ca 1900.
Located in Lisse, NL
A rare and beautifully handcrafted Junghans mantel clock from the Arts & Crafts era, combining timeless design with exceptional craftsmanship. If you are looking for a truly excepti...
Brass, Bronze
$1,661
H 9.8 in W 11.5 in D 5 in
Rare Arts & Crafts Amsterdam School Geometrical Design Oak Mantel Pendulum Clock
Located in Lisse, NL
Early 20th century, great condition Dutch Arts & Crafts mantle / table / desk clock. To have found this stunning and wonderful design, Dutch Arts & Crafts table clock was a treat, b...
Metal, Brass, Iron
$3,767
H 76.78 in W 19.69 in D 13.78 in
ANTIQUE ENGLiSH ARTS & CRAFTS 8 DAY LONGCASE GRANDFATER CLOCK BY MAPLE LONDON
By Maple & Co.
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London A fine late Victorian 8-day longcase (grandfather) clock, retailed by Maple & Co London, dating from around 1890 and crafted in the Arts & Crafts style. This elegant clock features a beautifully proportioned oak case with geometric panelling, decorative mouldings, and subtle carved details characteristic of the Arts & Crafts movement. The brass dial is richly engraved and signed Maple London...
Oak
$1,157
H 18.71 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in
Arts & Crafts Patinated Brass Mantel Clock by Sneltjes Haarlem, 1905
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts mantel clock. Design by Sneltjes Haarlem. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Patinated brass case with Arts & Crafts numerals on the dial. This ...
Brass
$1,623
H 31.3 in W 15.75 in D 3.94 in
Antique Arts and Crafts Oak Wall Clock Eight Day Striking Movement Brass Numeral
Located in Suffolk, GB
A very attractive Arts and Crafts oak wall clock with a strong, honest design typical of the period. The circular solid oak dial has a rich colour and grain, set with applied brass n...
Oak
$6,576
H 10.44 in W 8.86 in D 4.93 in
Arts and Crafts Mahogany Mantle Clock with Floral Inlay by Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co., London. An Arts and Crafts mahogany mantle clock with stylised floral inlay to the front panel. The case has a gently domed top and sweeping architectural form, design...
Mahogany
$4,863
H 12.21 in W 10.04 in D 4.93 in
Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass Mantel Clock by Beldray of Bilston
Located in London, GB
A fine Arts & Crafts copper and brass mantle clock by Beldray of Bilston with inset Ruskin type cabochon, the 8 day pendulum driven movement stampe...
Brass, Copper
1890s Arts and Crafts Advertising Grandfather Clock and Cabinet
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a very rare and unusual Arts and Crafts advertising clock display cabinet. It reads.. Time to Use Cedarine Furniture Polish. This example is as clean and fresh as it gets and...
Wood
$6,576
H 10.63 in W 9.06 in D 5.12 in
Liberty & Co C F A Voysey style Arts & Crafts oak mantle clock with floral inlay
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. London. An Arts and Crafts oak mantle clock with floral inlay. The dome top and architectural style of the design of this clock point ...
Oak
$513Sale Price|35% Off
H 18 in W 9.75 in D 5 in
Arts & Crafts Mantle Clock - Stickley Era - W7113 SALE
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Arts & Crafts Mantle Clock - W7113 EVERY CLOCK WE OFFER WE GUARANTEE ITS IN RUNNING CONDITION. This is an Arts & Crafts Mantle Clock from the early 1900s in good running condition....
Oak