With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

National Gallery of Victoria Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of Wedgwood with Exhibition

From September 2009, the National Gallery of Victoria will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Wedgwood. Featuring over 70 works drawn from the NGV’s internationally acclaimed Wedgwood holdings, the display will pay tribute to one of the most famous designers of decorative arts, a leading figure in the rise of neo-classical taste in the 18th century.

In 1759 Josiah Wedgwood (1730–1795) established his first pottery studio in Burslem, Staffordshire. During the eighteenth century the factory’s success grew through Wedgwood’s development of numerous wares including his most famous innovation, jasper ware – matt coloured stoneware decorated with applied white ornamentation.

Dr Gerard Vaughan, NGV Director said: “We are proud to be celebrating this important milestone in the history of European taste.

“The NGV has an outstanding collection of Wedgwood – amongst the best anywhere - the depth of which is largely due to the generous benefaction of Keith and Norma Deutsher. This display celebrates both the superb craftsmanship of Wedgwood over 250 years, and the inspiring generosity of the Deutshers,” said Dr Vaughan.

Josiah Wedgwood was one of the greatest innovators of the eighteenth century. His passion for experimentation, his sensitivity to fashion trends as well as his great entrepreneurial skills, made Wedgwood one of the most successful ceramic manufacturers of the eighteenth century...
Read entire article at Artdaily.org