Whitefriars glass is a range of high-quality household glassware that was produced by the British glass manufacturer James Powell & Sons, which was founded in London in 1834. James Powell & Sons began as a family business, and specialised in the production of stained glass, and gained a reputation for producing some of the finest stained glass windows in Britain.
In the late 19th century, James Powell & Sons began to experiment with new glassmaking techniques, and in the early 20th century, the company began to produce a range of high-quality art glassware, including vases, bowls, and other
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decorative objects. The company became known for its innovative designs and use of vibrant colors, and its glassware was highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.
One of the most iconic and enduring designs produced by James Powell & Sons was the Whitefriars range, which was first introduced in the 1920s. The Whitefriars range was characterized by its clean, modernist lines and use of bold, geometric shapes, and it quickly became one of the most popular and successful glassware lines of the era.
Throughout the 20th century, James Powell & Sons continued to produce a wide range of glassware, including both art glass and functional glassware such as drinking glasses and tableware. However, the company faced increasing competition from other glass manufacturers, and in the latter part of the century, it struggled financially.
In 1962, James Powell & Sons was acquired by Whitefriars Glass Limited, which later merged with another glass company to become Whitefriars Holdings Ltd. In 1981, Whitefriars Holdings Ltd. was acquired by Waterford Glass Group, which then became Waterford Wedgwood plc, and the Whitefriars range was eventually discontinued.
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The Wedgwood Pottery Company has been in operation for over 250 years. Founded in 1759 in England by Josiah Wedgwood, the company quickly became known for its high-quality pottery and innovative designs.
In the early years of the company, Josiah Wedgwood was focused on creating new types of pottery that would meet the demands of the changing market. He introduced a variety of new techniques, including the use of transfer printing, which allowed for intricate designs to be applied to pottery quickly and easily.
One of Wedgwood's most famous designs was the Jasperware line, which was introduced in
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the 1770s. This line featured a matte finish and was made in a variety of colours, including blue, green, and lilac. The Jasperware line proved to be incredibly popular and is still produced by Wedgwood to this day.
Over the years, Wedgwood has continued to innovate and introduce new designs. In the 19th century, the company introduced the Fairyland Lustre line, which was known for its whimsical and fantastical designs. Wedgwood also became known for its bone china, which was introduced in the early 20th century.
In addition to its pottery designs, Wedgwood has also been involved in various social causes throughout its history. In the late 18th century, Josiah Wedgwood was a prominent abolitionist and created a medallion featuring an image of a slave in chains with the words "Am I not a man and a brother?" This design became a symbol of the abolitionist movement and was widely circulated.
Wedgwood is known around the world for its high-quality pottery and continues to innovate and introduce new designs. The company has received numerous awards for its designs and is a favourite of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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