Wedgwood (England) copies of the Portland vase

The Portland Vase, was a stunning cameo glass vase from ancient Rome, that captivated the artistic world from its rediscovery in the 16th century onwards. Josiah Wedgwood, the pioneering English potter, saw its potential and in the late 1780s embarked on a quest to faithfully reproduce it in his famous jasperware, a dense ceramic with vibrant coloured backgrounds and raised white reliefs, which perfectly suited the vase's contrasting cameo effect. Skilled craftsmen meticulously created moulds of the original vase, capturing its intricate frieze depicting the myth of Peleus and Thetis. While most copies followed the classic "Barberini black" with more... white relief, Wedgwood also experimented with other colour combinations, like blue jasper and black basalt.

Wedgwood copies weren't cheap or mass-produced; they were prestigious art objects, owned by royalty, wealthy collectors, and public institutions. While the exact number produced remains unclear, estimations suggest hundreds of copies were created throughout the 19th century. less...

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 more... 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. less...