US $15.49
Josiah Wedgewood (1730-1795) – English Potter, Designer and Industrialist
Wedgewood porcelain is known worldwide for its quality and designs and was founded by Josiah Wedgewood. He was an English potter and industrialist born at Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent on July 12th 1730. Josiah Wedgewood was the youngest child of the potter Thomas Wedgwood, and came from a family whose members had been potters since the 1600's. At the age of nine, after the death of his father, he worked in his family's pottery where he learnt the very high standards of workmanship and a keen interest in science.
He became well respected and his customers included the rich and famous, including royalty. In 1754 Wedgwood began to experiment with coloured creamware and In 1759 he set up his own pottery works in Burslem.
He established his own factory, but often worked with others who did transfer printing (introduced by the Worcester Porcelain Company in the 1750s). He also produced red stoneware; basaltes ware, an unglazed black stoneware; and jasperware, made of white stoneware clay that had been coloured by the addition of metal oxides. Jasperware was usually ornamented with white relief portraits or Greek Classical scenes. Wedgwood's greatest contribution to European ceramics, however, was his fine pearlware, an extremely pale creamware with a bluish tint to its glaze.
Wedgwood's basalt, a hard, black, stone-like material known also as Egyptian ware or basaltes ware, was used for vases, candlesticks, and realistic busts of historical figures. 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. Many of the finest designs were the work of the English sculptor and artist John Flaxman.
He produced a highly durable cream-coloured earthenware that so pleased Queen Charlotte that in 1762 she appointed him royal supplier of dinnerware. From the public sale of Queen's Ware, as it came to be known, Wedgwood was able, in 1768, to build near Stoke-on-Trent a village, which he named Etruria, and a second factory equipped with tools and ovens of his own design. At first only ornamental pottery was made in Etruria, but by 1773 Wedgwood had concentrated all his production facilities at Etruria.
Wedgewood Timeline:
1730
Baptised July 12, 1730, Burslem, Stoke on Trent, England.
1739
After his father's death in 1739, he worked in the family business at churchyard Works, Burslem, becoming very skilful at the potter's wheel.
1744
Became an apprentice to his elder brother Thomas.
However an attack of smallpox seriously reduced his work (the disease later affected his right leg, which was then amputated); the result of this inactivity, enabled him to read, research, and experiment in his craft as a Master Potter.
1752-3
In 1749 Thomas (Josiah's elder brother) refused his proposal for partnership and Josiah formed a brief partnership with John Harrison at Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
1754
Wedgwood formed a partnership with Thomas Whieldon of Fenton Low, Stoke-on-Trent, probably the leading potter of his day. This became a fruitful partnership, enabling Wedgwood to become a master of current pottery techniques. He then began what he called his "experiment book," an invaluable source on Staffordshire pottery.
1759
After inventing the improved green glaze which is still popular even today, Wedgwood finished his partnership with Whieldon and went into business for himself at the Ivy House factory in Burslem.
1762
On one of his frequent visits to Liverpool to arrange export of his ware, Wedgwood met the merchant Thomas Bentley.
Because the sale of his ware had spread from the British Isles to the Continent, Wedgwood expanded his business to the nearby Brick house (or Bell Works) factory.
1765
Queen Charlotte's patronage of Wedgwood's cream-coloured earthenware in 1765, led the well finished earthenware which Wedgwood produced to be called Queens Ware. Queen's ware became, by virtue of its durable material and serviceable forms, the standard domestic pottery and enjoyed a worldwide market.
1768
The merchant Bentley became his partner in the manufacture of decorative items that were primarily unglazed stonewares in various colours, produced and decorated in the popular style of Neoclassicism.
Chief among these wares were:
- black basaltes, which by the addition of special painting (using pigments mixed with hot wax, which are burned in as an inlay), could be used to imitate Greek red-figure vases; and
-Jasper, a fine-grained vitreous body resulting from the high firing of paste containing barium sulphate.
1771
Wedgwood built a factory called Etruria, for the production of his ornamental vases. Later the manufacture of useful wares was also transferred. (At this site his descendants carried on the business until 1940, when the factory was relocated at Bariston, near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire - the Etruria site was used as part of the 'National Garden festival' and Wedgewood's great house can still be seen as it has been incorporated into an hotel.
1774
Evidence of the popularity of Wedgwood's creamware is found in the massive service of 952 pieces made for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia.
1775
Jasper's introduction in 1775 was followed by other wares such as: - rosso antico (red porcelain), cane, drab, chocolate, and olive wares.
1782
In 1782 Etruria was the first factory to install a steam-powered engine.
Wedgwood's invention of the pyrometer, a device for measuring high temperatures (invaluable for gauging oven heats for firings), earned him commendation as a fellow of the Royal Society.
As a result of the close association that grew up between the Wedgwood and Darwin families, Josiah's eldest daughter would later marry Erasmus' son. One of the children of that marriage, Charles Darwin, would also marry a Wedgwood — Emma, Josiah's granddaughter. This double-barreled inheritance of Wedgwood's money gave Charles Darwin the leisure time to formulate his theory of evolution.
After Wedgwood's death in Etruria on January 3rd 1795, his descendants carried on the business, which still produces many of his designs.
Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection @ http://www.fabprints.com
My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com
Please visit my fun Articles at http://bloggs.resourcez.com
The Chinese call Britain 'The Island of Hero's' which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery.
Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
throwing a small stoneware bowl on the potter's wheel
|
|
vintage MERRITT & MAESTRICHT POTTERY COFFEE MUGs Blue Folk Art Stoneware Holland $9.99 |
|
|
Polish Pottery CA Sandwich Plate or small Tray Stoneware BLUE $32.19 |
|
|
Blue Moon Pottery Stoneware Bun Warmer Leaf Design TAG $5.98 |
|
|
Chinese Oriental Dark Blue Stoneware Pottery Pitcher $75.00 |
|
|
BEAUTIFUL GREEN & BLUE STONEWARE ART POTTERY VASE SIGNED ANGEL $8.99 |
|
|
Overland Stoneware Teapot or Coffee Pot, Blue Pottery Beverage Server $35.00 |
|
|
Chilmark Pottery MA Martha's Vineyard Blue Stoneware Covered Bowl Studio $19.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
Blue & White Stoneware Pottery Bowl $10.00 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
Rowe Pottery Pitcher/Jug (Blue decorated stoneware)!!! (HANDMADE)!!! $17.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
1930'S Miniature MEIER'S P GARNER UHL POTTERY MINIATURE BLUE STONEWARE MINI JUG $9.99 |
|
|
(2) Approved Williamsburg Souvenir stoneware pottery mugs w/ flow blue $19.99 |
|
|
Blue Apple Pottery Stoneware Pitcher $8.99 |
|
|
Blue Apple Pottery Stoneware, Large Jar with Lid $7.99 |
|
|
Blue Apple Pottery Stoneware Pot $5.99 |
|
|
Blue Apple Pottery Stoneware, Pitcher $7.99 |
|
|
Blue Apple Pottery Stoneware Small Bowl $5.99 |
|
|
Blue Apple Pottery Stoneware Large Bowl $7.99 |
|
|
Handarbeit Stoneware Pottery Cobalt Blue-Made In Germany-Engraved-Small Pitcher $26.99 |
|
|
HOME GARDEN PARTY 1999 RED APPLES UTENSIL HOLDER BLUE APPLE STONEWARE POTTERY $24.99 |
|
|
HOME GARDEN PARTY 1999 RED APPLES COFFEE CANISTER BLUE APPLE STONEWARE POTTERY $29.99 |
|
|
HOME GARDEN PARTY 1999 RED APPLES SUGAR CANISTER BLUE APPLE STONEWARE POTTERY $34.99 |
|
|
HOME GARDEN PARTY 1999 RED APPLES FLOUR CANISTER BLUE APPLE STONEWARE POTTERY $39.99 |
|
|
ART POTTERY CLAY STONEWARE LG DEEP BOWL HAND-MADE BLUE DRIP GLAZE ARTIST SIGNED $29.99 |
|
|
3 APPLE BAKE POTTERY HARTSTONE STONEWARE BLUE ART DESIGN OVEN KITCHEN WARE 6" $28.50 |
|
|
RRP Roseville 12" inch PASTA Bowl Blue Stripes ~ Stoneware Pottery Serving Dish $6.99 |
|
|
Studio Modern Art Pottery Stoneware Blue Edge Vase $26.79 |
|
|
Studio Art Pottery Red Stoneware Blue Vase Clinton, NY $22.74 |
|
|
Vintage Blue Stoneware Pottery Mixing Bowl c.1930s Brush McCoy $35.00 |
|
|
Pottery Cookie Jar Crock Vintage Stoneware Retro Kitchen Home Blue W/ Flowers $34.99 |
|
|
ELDRETH SANTA CHRISTMAS COBALT BLUE GRAY STONEWARE POTTERY 1991 $21.99 |
|
|
ELDRETH SANTA CHRISTMAS COBALT BLUE GRAY STONEWARE POTTERY 1991 $21.99 |
|
|
Williamsburg Pottery Stoneware Blue Glaze Leave Pitcher $4.99 |
|
|
Handmade STONEWARE Pottery Vase celedon blue brown Flower Cookie Fruit Bouquet $35.00 |
|
|
Handmade Stoneware Pottery Whimsical Teapot Handcrafted celedon blue red one cup $34.99 |
|
|
Stoneware/pottery Funnel, light blue $19.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE SIGNED STUDIO ART POTTERY EUROPEAN POTTERY STONEWARE VASE BLUE & WHITE $75.00 |
|
|
antique Heavy BLUE POTTERY MILK PITCHER stoneware arts & crafts McCoy Made USA $9.99 |
|
|
LOT 7 COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG STONEWARE POTTERY CANDLE HOLDER BLUE GRAY AMERICANA $6.99 |
|
|
Williamsburg VA Stoneware Pottery Primitive Candle Holder Cobalt Blue $18.99 |
|
|
Williamsburg VA Stoneware Pottery Primitive Bud Vase w Cobalt Blue Leaf $14.99 |
|
|
WR Unikat Pottery Vase Pitcher Unused Polish Stoneware Hand Signed Blue Ivory $37.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE UHL POTTERY BLUE STONEWARE ACORN WARES BROWN CROCK JUG HUNTINGBURG IN $67.50 |
|
|
VINTAGE UHL POTTERY BLUE STONEWARE ACORN WARES TAN CROCK JUG HUNTINGBURG IN $67.50 |
|
|
Bright Blue Wispy Flower Stoneware Pottery Cup Glass $10.00 |
|
|
Hull Art Pottery Stoneware Vase Blue Red Green 8 inch $70.00 |
|
|
ART STUDIO POTTERY STONEWARE BLUE GREEN BOWL VASE $8.99 |
|
|
"MORALES" signed COVERED round DISH stoneware pottery PERFECT 8" splotchy blue $14.89 |
|
|
Beaumont Pottery Salt Glaze Santa Art Ceramic Blue Stoneware Christmas USA $29.99 |
|
|
Berkshire Stoneware Pottery Blue & White Lidded Sugar Bowl 3" Tall FREE US Ship $24.99 |
|
|
Berkshire Stoneware Pottery Blue & White Creamer Pitcher 4.5" Tall FREE US Ship $24.99 |
|
|
Williamsburg Pottery Stoneware VASE COBALT BLUE DESIGN $6.00 |
|
|
Artist Signed Blue/Grey Glazed Stoneware Pottery Small Shelf Flower Bud Vase $19.99 |
|
|
Vintage Israel Pottery stoneware Pitcher vase Drip Glaze Blue Black $7.99 |
|
|
8 Pcs Iron Mountain Pottery Stoneware Dinner Salad Bread Plates Cups Blue Ridge $39.95 |
|
|
Iron Mountain Pottery Blue Ridge Stoneware Ramekin Custard Cup Salt Shaker $16.95 |
|
|
CROCK*NAVY BLUE Bands*Stoneware Pottery*Primitive Decor*Spoon Holder*Roseville $8.95 |
|
|
ARTS & CRAFTS BLUE VASE * HANDMADE CRAFTSMAN STONEWARE POTTERY POT * NO RESERVE! $14.99 |
|
|
ANTIQUE stoneware BLUE WHITE SLATGLAZE spittoon swag ribbon POTTERY $39.99 |
|
|
Le Creuset Honey Pots Le Creuset honey pot includes a silicone dipper that dispenses the perfect touch of honey... |
|
|
Norpro Stoneware Butter Keeper $5.52 Butter stored in the fridge tastes like leftovers and tears up your toast, while butter stored on the counter spreads easily but goes rancid in days. What to do? Norpro has the answer. Simply pack the Norpro Butter Keeper’s inverted lid with softened butter, put an inch or so of cool water in the base, and invert the lid on top. Water makes an airtight seal between lid and base, keeping butt... |
|
|
Rachael Ray EVOO Oil Bottle The Rachael Ray EVOO Dispensing Bottle is uniquely designed for storing and keeping close at hand extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for cooking and finishing dishes. Spice up a meal with by drizzling your favorite olive oil over a fine pasta dish or simply dab on a crostini to make a tasty little Tuscan treat. A perfect compliment to any meal.... |
|
|
Water Dispenser Replacement Faucet - White $4.00 3/4 inch white Tomlinson lever faucet for use with ceramic water dispensers.... |
|
|
Ceramic Water Crock Dispenser - Classic Plain $23.23 ... |
