A History of WEDGWOOD for 250 Years

Almost two hundred and fifty years has passed since Josiah Wedgwood I, described as “Father of English potters”, opened his own first pottery known as The Ivy House Works in 1759.　Over centuries, the name of Wedgwood has accomplished growth to a world-famous brand to hold many lovers in Japan as well as the U.K.　In commemoration of the 250th anniversary foundation, The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo presents over 250 perfect masterpieces that the company has created during 250 years.

Josiah, born to a pottery-making family, started learning pottery in his childhood and finally established the company Wedgwood.　With his success manufacture of unparalleled cream-coloured-earthenware after repeated trial and error, ambitious young Josiah was permitted to rename the earthenware ‘Queen’s Ware’ and restyle himself ‘Potter to Her Majesty’.　From then on, he contrived the well-known series of ‘Black Basalt’, ’Jasper’ with new techniques.　This brought Wedgwood to the attention of the aristocracy in Europe not to mention the U.K. and its abiding fame was immediately widespread to all over the world.

This exhibition brings typical of 250 years history of Wedgwood, from far and wide, table services, tea wares, dinner sets, vases, cameos, perfume bottles, all of which were the very best of Wedgwood Museum, Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Galleries, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, The Wedgwood family, British Embassy Japan and many private collections.　It is a great opportunity to enjoy all the history of Wedgwood, from remarkable achievements of the founder Josiah Wedgwood I to fine articles of the company today.