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.
Antique Wedgwood Basalt Bust of Plato
By Wedgwood
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Wedgwood black basalt bust of Plato. This Grand Tour sculpture is a very stylish depiction of the Athenian philosopher Plato (c.428-347 B.C.). He is one of the most impo...
Marble
Handcarved 18th Century Italian White Statuary Marble Bust of Homer
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An impressive handcarved 18th century Italian white statuary marble bust of Homer, legendary Greek poet and author who is thought to have penned two of ancient Greece’s most epic poe...
Marble, Statuary Marble
Homer Antique Plaster Bust
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This Greek bust depicts the legendary poet and author Homer who is presumed to have penned the two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. Scholars are uncertain whether or not Homer actually existed but if he in fact did exist, Homer would be regarded as one of the greatest literary artists of his time. This is an iconic statue for an interior and looks particularly impactful when placed on a column or plinth. Please note the blue plinth...
Plaster
Neoclassical Bust of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow After Henry Hudson Kitson
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A neoclassical plaster bust of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow after Henry Hudson Kitson. This Georgian style sculpture is highly detailed, with an impressive standing height of 80cm. He...
Plaster
19th Century Bronze Bust Of Charles V After Leoni Leone
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century bronze bust of Charles V after Leoni Leone. Crafted circa 1800, this highly detailed bust portrays the sitter wearing a laurel wreath and classical drapery over what ...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Bust Of Ajax The Great by Chiurazzi
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century bronze bust of Ajax the great by Chiurazzi, Napoli after the antique. Bearing the mark of the Chiurazzi foundry, and raised on a Breccia marble base, this high quali...
Marble, Breccia Marble, Metal
19th Century Bronze Bust of Homer
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century bronze bust of Homer attributed to the Chiurazzi Foundry, Naples, Italy. Homer was author of the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Bronze
Porcelain Bust of Homer
Located in Savannah, GA
A porcelain crackled glaze bust of Homer after the antique, English, circa early 20th century. 13 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 19 inches tall
Porcelain
Bronze Bust of Menelaus, Italian Grand Tour
Located in Bradenton, FL
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Menelaus on a stepped wooden plinth. Menelaus was the legendary King of Sparta from Greek mythology. This sculpture depicts the bearded warrior wear...
Bronze
Hand-Crafted Terracotta Homer Bust Sculpture from Italy, 21st Century h: 60cm
Located in Madrid, ES
HOMER BUST IN TERRACOTTA 21th Century Altezza 60 cm Larghezza 36 cm Profondità 33 cm Peso 15 Kg Base rettangolare lato x lato 26 x 36 Materiale Terracotta
Terracotta
Bronze bust depicting a philosopher after the Antique, 19th century, founder Lup
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Bronze bust representing a philosopher after the Antique, 19th century, caster Luppens Bronze bust representing a philosopher after the Antique, 19th century, caster Luppens & Co.
Steel
Pino Signoretto Bust of Hippocrates, Murano Glass, Venetian, Italian Art Glass
By Pino Signoretto
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine murano glass sculpture by Pino Signoretto of the Bust of Hippocrates. Handcrafted by master glass artist Pino Signoretto on the Venetian islan...
Art Glass, Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
