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.
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
Wedgwood Majolica Tray, circa 1907
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green Majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Porcelain
19th Century Wedgwood Leaf Dish
By Wedgwood
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century wedgwood majolica leaf dish from England.
Pottery
Davenport Handled Majolica Dish, Dated 1852
By Davenport Porcelain
Located in High Point, NC
Davenport double handled Majolica dish with Davenport impressed mark and the year for 1852 stamped on the back. Gorgeous pattern with leaves and vines.
Ceramic
Wedgwood Leaf Dish, circa 1935
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Pottery
19th Century Majolica Bread Tray
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Majolica bread tray from England in the wheat pattern. The tray has a central medallion of solid brown, surrounded by a yellow basket weave...
Pottery
Late 19th Century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sweetmeat Dish
By Wedgewood
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sweetmeat Dish. Oblong shaped form. Designed as a basket with strawberry leaves - excellent decoration with shading for depth. Stamped: Wedg...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Green Glazed Majolica Handled Leaf and Basket Shallow Bowl Server, 1869
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, Burslem, England, a green majolica glazed shallow bowl server with a fringed leaf on a basket weave pattern, date marked 1869. A leaf shaped mold with a pierced twig handle, showing a large fringed edged leaf on a basketweave ground. Realistically molded with the woven basket forming the shaped rim. Lovely pooled deep spring...
Earthenware
19th Century English Majolica Handled Dish
Located in Bridgeport, CT
19th Century English majolica handled dish in the form of a lily pad with a trailing vine handle terminating with rose and yellow colored flowers. Dimensions: 9" x 9" x 1 3/4" H Co...
Ceramic
19th Century Small Majolica Platter Wedgwood
By Wedgwood
Located in Austin, TX
19th century small Majolica platter signed Wedgwood.
Ceramic
Victorian Lustreware Dish, Late 19th Century Wedgwood 'Persian' ware style
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Wedgwood Lustreware Dish in the Manner of William de Morgan's 'Persian' ware. This wonderful dish has a shaped and scalloped rim decorated with foliate tendrils, around the central recess featuring stylized leaves, all in shades of 'Indian red' over an almost puce colored ground. The base partially impressed Wedgwood "DGWOOD", and with other marks. Provenance: From the Rubin Collection. Though William de Morgan often used Wedgwood biscuit...
Ceramic
Wedgwood Majolica Leaf Dish
Located in Tampa, FL
A small antique Wedgwood green majolica leaf dish. Circa late 19th century, England.
Majolica
