A BRIEF HISTORY OF WEDGWOOD

The first Wedgwood factory was early as 1600. It was established by Thomas Wedgwood in Burslem, Staffordshire, England.

WEDGWOOD JASPERWARE TEA SERVICE

WEDGWOOD JASPERWARE TEA POT

WEDGWOOD BONE CHINA PLATTERS

WEDGWOOD BONE CHINA PLATTER

In 1739 Josiah took over his father’s business and continued the high quality and new innovations which hailed the world renowned success of the company. In 1795 Josiah died and the family business continued to flourish under the craftsmanship and guidance of a powerful and talented family who were not afraid to be innovative with their new lines of production of different techniques and wares. Jasperware, his most successful innovation, was a durable unglazed ware most characteristically blue with fine white cameo figures inspired by the ancient Roman Portland Vase. The scenes were Grecian Classical that was Mythological in theme. Many of the finest designs were the work of the British artist John Flaxman. Wedgwood products were mass appealing to the rising European bourgeois class. Wedgwood’s superior quality was indeed a huge threat to many of the European factories at the time.

In 1906, a Wedgwood china museum was established at the Etruria pottery. A new factory was built at nearby Barlaston in 1940, and the museum was moved to and expanded at this location. The Etruria works was closed in 1950. During the 1960s and 1970s, Wedgwood acquired many English potteries, including William Adams & Sons, Coalport, Susie Cooper, Crown Staffordshire, Johnson Brothers, Mason's Ironstone, J. & G. Meakin, Midwinter Companies, Precision Studios, and Royal Tuscan.

If we know Wedgwood, we are aware that Wedgwood always was held in high esteem by British royalty and always graced their palaces. Wedgwood items were always prestigious and were commissioned by royalty to be permanent displays throughout their castles/palaces. Whether items be displayed in curio cabinets, on buffets, on hall tables or on dining room tables, Wedgwood objects were visually eminent. In the royal households, it is not uncommon to feast ones eyes upon a great Wedgwood dinner service either on the dining room table or in an open hutch proudly on display for personal enjoyment or for the enjoyment of their guests.

Today the Wedgwood Group still retains the same reputation for quality and is still associated with the affluent and elite of society. Design is an essential factor. Wedgwood Group companies are served by a large, highly qualified, and experience team of designers and modelers, supplemented by contributions from eminent contemporary artists.