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.
Pair of Wedgwood Majolica Cauliflower Pattern Plates, English 1920.
By Wedgwood
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Pair of stunning Majolica plates by Wedgwood in cauliflower patterned texture on outer rim. Stamped on back with "Wedgwood", "Made in England" and pattern number "5697". In great con...
Majolica
$679 / set
H 0.99 in Dm 8.47 in
Pair of Antique English 19th Century Green Majolica Vine Leaf Wall Plates C.1860
Located in London, GB
Pair of Antique English 19th Century Green Majolica Vine Leaf Wall Plates C.1860 In the manner of Wedgewood, England. Molded in high relief as overlapping vine leaves with trailing ...
Ceramic
Pair of Wedgwood Majolica Cauliflower Pattern Plates, English 1920.
By Wedgwood
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Pair of stunning Majolica plates by Wedgwood in cauliflower patterned texture on outer rim. Stamped on back with "Wedgwood", "Made in England" and pattern number "5697". In great con...
Majolica
$2,600 / set
H 0.75 in Dm 8.75 in L 0.75 in
Antique c.1864 Wedgwood mottled Majolica plates, owned by André Leon Talley
By Wedgwood
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A pair of antique c.1864 Wedgwood Majolica Plates, owned by André Leon Talley. Mottled tortoise shell design with reticulated greek key border/edge. These are most likely style #349 ...
Clay
Pair of 19th Century English Coalport Porcelain Plates
By Coalport Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of large Coalport Porcelain plates with gilt rim and accents, floral decoration in blues, reds, and greens. 19th century England. Price i...
Porcelain
Pair of Majolica Oyster Plates, France, 1920s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
These are the dimensions of a single plate. Charming pair of French majolica oyster plates featuring six shell-shaped wells surrounding a central sauce compartment. Glazed in vibran...
Ceramic, Majolica
$309 / set
H 1.19 in Dm 9.85 in
Set of 2 French Green Majolica Plates – Sarreguemines Manufacture – 20th Century
By Sarreguemines
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 2 French Green Majolica Plates – Sarreguemines Manufacture – 20th Century Description: This is a set of four majolica plates, crafted in France during the 20th century by the ...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Majolica Two Plates Germany 20th Century
Located in Uppsala , SE
Art Nouveau Majolica Germany 20th Century Two beautiful majolica plates Geometry design with nature palette of colours Items are in good vintage condition Please check careful...
Ceramic
$1,950 / set
H 8.85 in W 7.85 in D 0.85 in
Pair of Wedgwood Majolica Green Glaze Leaf Form Plates with Stem Handles, 1871
By Wedgwood
Located in Darien, CT
A pair of English Wedgwood majolica leaf form plates, dated December 1871, with rich emerald green glaze, raised white leaves and berries, and delicate brown stem handles. The fine m...
Ceramic
$295 / item
H 1 in Dm 9.75 in
French 1850s Majolica Asparagus Plate with Scalloped Edge, Two Available
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period majolica asparagus plate from the mid-19th century, with scalloped edge, turquoise and chartreuse style tones. We currently have three plates available, priced and sold individually. Created in France at the beginning of the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, each of these three majolica plates features four asparagus with purple heads, resting on a luscious green leaf. A turquoise scalloped edge surrounds a chartreuse toned wicker style ring. With their elegant decor...
Majolica
19th Century Pair of Copeland & Garrett Majolica Plates
By Copeland & Garrett Spode
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century Copeland & Garrett (Spode) majolica plates with the early impressed mark, dating the plates from 1833-1847. This pair of plates depict three open leaves overl...
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sunflower Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of signed Wedgwood green Majolica plates in the highly collectible sunflower pattern. The plates are in a rich and lovely color of green and the mold is highly detailed. The pl...
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century J. Roth Majolica Plates from London
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of late 19th century Majolica plates signed J Roth, who was located in London from 1879-1881. J Roth was a small manufacturer that only did the finest in Majolica pieces. The ...
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Ashworth Flow Blue Plates
By Ashworth Ironstone
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century transfer plates with flow blue decoration. Marked with an impressed GL Ashworth mark. Ashworth pottery was in Hanley in Staffordshi...
Ceramic
19th Century Wedgwood Majolica Dish
By Wedgwood
Located in High Point, NC
19th century majolica banana leaf dish from England. The dish is signed on the bottom with the impressed WEDGWOOD mark. This is a lovely green serving or bon bon type dish which woul...
Ceramic
Circa 1900 Villeroy and Boch Majolica Plate
By Villeroy & Boch
Located in High Point, NC
Villeroy and Boch majolica plate, circa 1900. This is a lovely small majolica plate, with an excellent pattern pressing of grapes and leaves, which overlap to make the plate absolut...
Ceramic
