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.
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Meant Green Porcelain Brass Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous table lamp in light green porcelain and brass, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian fa...
Brass
Italy 1970 Hollywood Regency Style Blue Porcelain and Brass Chandelier 9 Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This magnificent and exquisite 9 lights Chandelier, in brass and porcelain with a refined mat blue color, the original Wedgwood color, was made by the well known Wedgwood English...
Brass
Italy Post- Modern Style Brass Table Lamp with Painted Metal Shades Yellow Blue
Located in Brescia, IT
Table lamp in brass with shaft covered by hand sewed genuine cow leather. Double swinging arms and painted metal shades in blue and yellow. Base in red Italian marble. The brass has ...
Marble, Brass
Italy 1970 Hollywood Regency Style Green Porcelain and Brass Chandelier 5 lights
By Wedgwood
Located in Brescia, IT
This magnificent and exquisite 5 lights Chandelier, in brass and porcelain with a refined mat light green color, was made by the well known Wedgwood English pottery factory, manu...
Brass
1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass Porcelain Wall Lights with Lampshades
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamourous two lights wall light in pink lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970' and then left in...
Brass
1970 Italy Hollywood Regency Style Green Porcelain and Brass Chandelier 9 lights
By Wedgwood
Located in Brescia, IT
This magnificent and exquisite 9 lights Chandelier, in brass and porcelain with a refined mat light green color, was made by the well known Wedgwood English pottery factory, man...
Brass
Antique Blue Sevres Style Porcelain Table Lamp, France, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A fine 19th century French blue Sevres style porcelain table lamp raised on a square ormolu base, hand painted and signed on the ovoid body.
Porcelain
19th Century French Delft Blue and White Faience Oil Lamp with Brass Mounts
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this elegant antique “Lampe à Pétrole” combines hand-painted faience with richly detailed brass mounts in the Napoleon III taste. The baluster-form cera...
Brass
Ceramic and Bronze Table Lamp in Greek Revival Style, England, 1970s
By Wedgwood
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful table lamp, Wonderful Arabic pattern in Green Gold and Purple colors. Bronze pierced base and top, comes complete with shade .One large E26 b...
Ceramic
Antique French Gold Bronze Mounted Cobalt Blue Sevres Porcelain Lamp, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French gold bronze mounted cobalt blue Sevres porcelain lamp, circa 1890's.
Bronze
French antique porcelain lamp Celeste blue with gilt bronze mounts
Located in Houston, TX
The fine hand painting on this exquisite lamp is mounted on a gilt Bronze base is special because of the quality. The bronze is finely Cast and gilded in a brilliant hue. Gilt bronz...
Bronzed Resin
French Sèvres-Style Empire Porcelain Table Lamp with Faux Wax Candle Shaft, 22"H
Located in New York, NY
An elegant French Sèvres porcelain table lamp, richly decorated in a deep emerald green glaze with finely hand-painted gilt ornament...
Ceramic, Porcelain
