Wedgwood
This style of pottery will be recognisable to almost everyone, even to those with little interest in antiques.
Josiah Wedgwood had trained as a potter since the age of nine, serving his time with several other companies, including his family’s firm, before eventually setting up on his own. Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd began in the mid 18th century near Stoke on Trent and continues today. The firm’s first product in 1759 was a range of creamware, which was later developed to a fine pearlware. His most recognisable innovation must be this Jasperware – an unglazed, coloured pottery with a white relief decoration, often with a classical theme, Jasper ware was first introduced in 1775.
Twenty years later when Josiah died, the production of Jasperware was at its height. Although its popularity waned through the early 19th century, production resumed in 1860 and has continued until today, only interrupted by World War 2.
Josiah Wedgwood was an early adopter of the manufacturing mark. Many 18th century producers traded on a loose connection with the Wedgwood family and many more obviously copied Wedgwood designs. Josiah took a very hard line against these imitators and was not afraid to battle it out in court. In order to protect his reputation, nearly all genuine Wedgwood was marked with their name from 1781. A common confusion is with “Wedgwood and Co” or “Wedgewood” marks. Neither of these relate to Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd.
There are plenty of books and websites with full details of the marks Wedgwood used from the late 18th century.
From 1860, a system of letter and number codes was also added which identified the month and year of manufacture as well as the name of the potter, which threw the ware.
Josiah had good reason to look after his name. Even in their early days, the company had an excellent reputation and had been appointed “Potter to Her Majesty” by Queen Charlotte, after impressing the Queen with a creamware dinner service.
