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.
1920s Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Creamware Bowl
By Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Wedgwood Queensware bowl designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones in the Istria pattern after an ancient Greek vase from Sir William Hamilton’s collection. This ‘Istria’ pattern bowl by Wed...
Ceramic, Creamware, Pottery
Large Wedgwood Butterfly Display Bowl
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A shallow serving bowl decorated with brightly colored butterflies, made by Wedgwood circa 1915. Three vibrant butterflies dance around the center of this bowl, encircled by an Orie...
Stoneware
Large Wedgwood Butterfly Display Bowl
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A large shallow serving bowl decorated with brightly colored butterflies, made by Wedgwood circa 1915. Vibrant butterflies dance around this bowl, creating a bold statement piece. T...
Stoneware
19th Century Greek Revival Copeland Spode Bowl
By Copeland Spode
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A vibrant Neoclassical Revival decorative bowl in the 'Greek' pattern made by Copeland Spode in the late 19th century. Sir William Hamilton’s Collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman antiquities, first published in 1766 by Pierre d’Hancarville, was a landmark publication in English design. It intended to disseminate the Antique style through its engravings of Attic pottery. The catalog’s faithful reproductions of Classical vases led British potteries, including Spode, to adapt or even copy the ancient art for modern life. This Copeland Spode Greek...
Earthenware, Pearlware
Daisy Makeig-Jones Fairyland Wedgwood Lustre Bowl
By Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Wedgwood Fairyland lustre bowl designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones ca. 1925 and decorated with the 'Blue Willow' pattern. The ‘Blue Willow’ pattern is timeless, inspired by 18th-century Chinese blue and white porcelains and appearing on English transferwares since the early 19th century. Thomas Minton is credited with creating the standard pattern as we know it today circa 1780; from there, all the major English potteries, and some American ones, began producing ‘Blue Willow’ transferwares...
Ceramic, Luster, Porcelain
19th Century Doulton Lambeth Matchstrike
By Doulton Lambeth
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
An English stoneware pottery match holder, made by Doulton Lambeth in the late 19th century. The dish is covered with an interesting pattern of hand-stamped florets, and accented wit...
Stoneware
19th Century Wedgwood Leaf Dish
By Wedgwood
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century wedgwood majolica leaf dish from England.
Pottery
19th Century Majolica Wedgwood Leaves Tureen
By Wedgwood
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th Century Majolica tureen with leaves signed Wedgwood. H / 7.5 inches, 9.2 by 7 inches.
Majolica, Ceramic
WEDGWOOD - Embossed Majolica Grape Leaf Center Bowl - U.K. - Circa 1940
By Wedgwood
Located in Chatham, ON
WEDGWOOD - Vintage majolica ceramic embossed grape leaf pattern center bowl - oval shape - twin twig handles - pronounced flared foot - green semi iridescent glaze - printed back sta...
Ceramic, Majolica
Wedgwood Leaf Dish, circa 1935
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Pottery
Wedgwood Majolica Leaf Dish
Located in Tampa, FL
A small antique Wedgwood green majolica leaf dish. Circa late 19th century, England.
Majolica
1930s Wedgwood Lustreware Basket
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique 1930s Wedgwood lustre ware open basket. Bone China with hand painted silver and blue floral design. Brand stamp on the underside.
Porcelain
