A Collection of Wedgewood
View Similar Items
A Collection of Wedgewood
About the Item
Wedgwood
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.
- Early Wedgwood Neoclassical Creamware Dessert Dishes Made circa 1780By WedgwoodLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLA set of four early Wedgwood creamware Neoclassical dessert dishes made circa 1780. Sir William Hamilton’s Collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman an...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics
MaterialsCreamware
- Antique 18th Century Wedgwood Creamware Basket Form Double Salt CellarBy WedgwoodLocated in Philadelphia, PAAn 18th century Wedgwood creamware double salt cellar. The form consisting of two basket (or pail-form) bowls joined at the rim and connected by ...Category
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Ceramics
MaterialsCreamware
- An Art Deco Vase Designed by Kieth Murray for WedgewoodBy WedgwoodLocated in Forest Row, East SussexAn Art Deco cream earthenware vase. Designed by K.Murray for Wedgwood. Stamped to base. Origin: English Date: Circa 1935Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Ceramics
MaterialsStoneware
- Set of Six Paris Porcelain Fruit Plates with Hand-Painted Scenes of AnimalsLocated in Pembroke, MASet of six Paris porcelain scalloped plates with hand-painted scenes of birds and animals set in fanciful or pastoral environments, some with castles....Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Pair of Bloor Derby porcelain figures of Milton & Shakespeare c.1830By Bloor DerbyLocated in Exeter, GBA very fine pair of 19th century Bloor Derby figures of John Milton & William Shakespeare c.1830 This pair have their separate original plinths which appear to have previously been ...Category
Antique 19th Century British Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Large Meissen Figure of a Standing LadyBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Los Angeles, CAA beautiful large 19th century Meissen porcelain figure depicting a standing maiden in period dress with elaborate floral decoration raising her apron. her corset and borders made fr...Category
Antique 19th Century German Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
