John Flaxman, English sculptor, modeller, and designer, lived from 1755 to 1826. He was one of the leading artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of the Neoclassical era.
Flaxman was born in London and apprenticed to the leading sculptor of his day, Joseph Wilton. He quickly established a reputation as a talented sculptor and was commissioned to produce works for many of the leading figures of his time, including members of the royal family and the aristocracy.
Flaxman's style was characterized by its simplicity, classical
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elegance, and harmonious composition. He was particularly known for his depictions of classical mythology and literature, and his work was highly regarded by contemporary critics and collectors.
In addition to his work as a sculptor, Flaxman was also a successful designer and modeller. He created many designs for ceramics, jewellery, and other decorative objects, and his work was widely imitated by other artists and manufacturers.
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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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