Wedgwood History Guide

Without doubt Josiah Wedgwood (1730 - 1795) was one the most important people in the development and history of English pottery. At a time when industrial changes were taking place, he developed a market through endless experimentation and the introduction of new ceramic bodies. Wedgwood, the company, was established in 1759, based in Etruria, Stoke on Trent.

Wedgwood History Guide

Over the last 200 years, the British pottery industry has struggled to survive through the many challenges it has had to face. Wedgwood was able to survive in this very competitive market because they invested in design and innovation that enabled them to keep ahead of the market.





This tradition has not changed over the many years and throughout the 20th century, considered by many to be their most prolific period, introduced a staggering range of products created by names such as Daisy Makeig-Jones, Keith Murray and Eric Ravilious,whilst more recent contributions by Nick Munro and Paul Costelloe,who were commissioned by Wedgwood, are already becoming popular among collectors.

Wedgwood History Guide

The most breathtaking works from the early-1920s were the lustre designs by Daisy Makeig-Jones. These dazzling lustres depicted unusual landscapes combined with characters from children's books mixed with myths and fables that were popular at the time.




This range was called Fairyland  Lustre and included patterns such as Ghostly Wood, Candlemas and Bubbles, decorated on various bone china vases, ginger jars and bowls, and had a great appeal among the fashionable upper classes that were able to afford such expensive items.




 As popularity for these patterns increased, several other firms, such as Crown Devon, copied them. Sadly, they were mostly withdrawn following the Wall Street Crash in New York in 1929.

Wedgwood History Guide

During the early-1930s, Josiah Wedgwood V was appointed Managing Director and he was determined to introduce new designs in line with contemporary taste and restore the profits. As a result, the 1930s were the most prolific period for Wedgwood,when several freelance designers created outstanding patterns and shapes.




One particular designer was Keith Murray who was asked to develop a new range of modern vases and bowls that featured incised bands and decorated with matt-glaze colours such as matt straw, blue and green that was pioneered by Norman Wilson, Works Manager.

Wedgwood History Guide

These wares, first shown in 1933, were modern but also expensive, so in response to this he created a more affordable range of slip   cast wares including cigarette boxes and powder bowls. He also used the black basalt body for a series of bowls, tobacco jars and a coffee set.




Eric Ravilious, who was well known for his illustration work and paintings, started designing patterns for Wedgwood from 1936. Probably his most important design was for the forthcoming Coronation of Edward VIII in 1937. Sadly, historical events unfolded to reveal that the forthcoming Monarch had decided to abdicate.

Wedgwood History Guide

The Coronation mug was immediately withdrawn but was later adapted for the Coronation of George VI and then for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1952.



His tableware patterns included Persephone, Garden and Travel and were produced in large quant ities,mainly during the 1950s. One of the most enduring patterns was Alphabet from 1937, whilst his last pattern was the Barlaston Mug designed to commemorate the relocation of Wedgwood from Etruria to Barlaston in 1940.

Wedgwood History Guide

The wide range of products introduced during the 1950s and 1960s have yet to catch the eye of the collector despite some of these being at the forefront of modernity, such as the stylish black basalt coffee set by Robert Minkin, examples of the experimental items called Design '63 and the striking '225' shape by Jeremy Gould in bone china and black basalt in 1983 made to celebrate the 225th year history of the company.