Wedgwood
Since the 18th century Wedgwood has been the most famous name in English china. Synonymous with invention, craftsmanship and fashionable elegance, this is a significant moment in shaping the future direction of a company already designated by The Observer as the ‘Best and Brightest’ for 2005.Wedgwood has an unparalleled heritage. As well as developing Ornamental wares such as back basalt and Jasper, with which the company is still synonymous, the visionary Josiah Wedgwood perfected his renowned cream ware, securing the patronage of Queen Charlotte and wittily appointing himself ‘Potter to Her Majesty and Vase Maker to the Universe’.
As taste swings from simplicity and sobriety to embrace the decorative this is ideal timing for Wedgwood to return to the spotlight. Under the creative direction of Georgina Godley, Wedgwood’s design philosophy restores a sense of ritual and delight but tuned to a contemporary vision. According to Godley “Modernity no longer has to be about breaking with the past, it’s more about setting the historic in an unexpected context, enjoying the emotional values of tradition and looking at the familiar with new eyes”.
Godley’s influence is apparent in the latest Wedgwood collections. Last autumn saw the launch of artist Robert Dawson’s acclaimed ‘After Willow Pattern’, twisting and distorting this archetypal English pattern to give it modern meaning.
New collections this spring include Queen’s Ware inspired by Josiah Wedgwood’s original cream ware named for Queen Charlotte. Royal Icing uses handcraft decorating techniques, shapes and patterns inspired by the 18th century originals. The iconic centrepiece is the elaborate cream ware ‘épergne’ modelled on a Wedgwood original from 1770-75 and made in three examples. Wedgwood’s Bespoke service reissues designs from the archives. The ‘épergne’ is complemented by a series of beautifully crafted baskets, plates and jugs decorated with piercing, twisted handles, finials and handcrafted flowers, as well as cake stands and jelly and butter moulds.
Also part of the Queen’s Ware story, Blue Tonquin is based on a pattern originally produced in the 1920s combined with 18th century shapes Queen’s Ware mugs in an eclectic mix of shapes, sizes and patterns include original designs by Eric Ravillious.
Wedgwood has long been renowned for the quality of its fine bone china and Ethereal marries this with a modern aesthetic inspired by organic forms and natural textures, while the strong abstract forms are also rooted in 18th century shapes. Defining the new era, Wedgwood is expanding its home collections and gifts. Evocative of traditional English tea rituals, as well as teapot, creamer and strainers, Henley includes cake slices, tongs and a toast rack. Cameoline gives a modern context to the Wedgwood cameo combining the iconic motif with silver and acrylic for table accessories and barware.
This year new accent pieces such as the vivid Chinoiserie complement Jasper Conran’s hugely successful fine bone china dinner service. As part of Wedgwood’s continuing strategy to develop bridal markets, the first collections by American designer Vera Wang will also be launched in the UK, including three bone china services, crystal and giftware, exemplifying Wang’s ability to move seamlessly from couture to lifestyle.
