Existing comment:
Wedgwood in the 19th and 20th Centuries
The Wedgwood ceramics manufactory is one of the oldest potteries functioning today. Much attention has been given the history of the company during the eighteenth century. Indeed, the eighteenth century is considered by most to have been the heyday of factory production. However, the years following the death of Josiah Wedgwood and continuing through the early twentieth century were surprisingly innovative as the company sought to maintain or regain its status as the premiere English pottery manufacturer.
During this period there was a renewed interest in the design and decoration of decorative arts objects in response to the declining quality of mass-produced wares. In ceramics this was manifested in an enthusiasm for all types of ornamental objects that appealed to the "artistic" taste of the day as defined by one or more of the prevailing art movements: Arts and Crafts, Aesthetic Movement, and Art Nouveau. As the factory responded to new market forces, it introduced hand-painted bone china, expanded its range of majolica and Parian, and found new designs and decoration for its traditional ceramic bodies -- creamware, black basalt, and jasperware.
The spirit of innovation continued through the early twentieth century as a variety of professional artists were engaged by the company to produce new and creative designs. The production of tableware flourished, and Wedgwood was able to successfully balance its traditional styles with the popular desire for modern forms. Despite a period of decline during the early part of the nineteenth century, by the early twentieth century the factory was once again a leading producer of pottery. |