Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte-colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors.
The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware.
Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th-century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.
From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.
Find antique Wedgwood pottery on 1stDibs.
Set of Eight Wedgwood Creamware Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Set of eight Wedgwood creamware plates. Eight large creamware decorated dinner plates with a bold hand-painted floral border in orange and gre...
Creamware
Early Wedgwood Neoclassical Creamware Dessert Dishes Made circa 1780
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A set of four early Wedgwood creamware Neoclassical dessert dishes made circa 1780. Sir William Hamilton’s Collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman an...
Creamware
Pair Large Wedgwood Creamware Serving Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Pair large Wedgwood creamware serving plates. Pair Wedgwood creamware serving plates with blue band and gilt rim. Impressed mark "Wedgwood" with underglaze blue 1039 W. England, circ...
Creamware
Set of Thirty Six Plates in Three Sizes. Made by Wedgwood in Japan.
By Wedgewood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of thirty six porcelain dinner plates in three sizes. Made by Wedgwood in Japan, in 1990s. DIMENSIONS: LARGE PLATE Diam: 11" Height: 1" MEDIUM PLATE WITH CREST Diam: 8.25" Heigh...
Porcelain
$495 / set
H 0.125 in Dm 9 in
(3) Three Wedgwood Porcelain 9" Heavily Gilt Decorated Plates Richard Briggs Co.
By Wedgwood
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wedgwood (English, founded 1759) for Richard Briggs Company (American, originally founded 1798-1946). A grouping of 3 Wedgwood for Richard Briggs & Company porcelain plates measurin...
Porcelain
Antique Wedgwood Creamware Serving Set, 16 Pieces, Circa 1790–1810
By Wedgewood
Located in Northport, MI
An exceptional 16-piece Wedgwood cream ware serving set, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century (circa 1790–1810). This refined collection features elegant oval and round se...
Porcelain
$950 / set
H 1.75 in Dm 9 in
Set of Three Early 19th Century Wedgwood Creamware Pattern No. 892 Serving Bowls
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare group of wedgwood creamware bowls. In the neoclassical pattern no. 892 with a cobalt blue and gold border. Diameters: just under 9 in., just over 8 3/4 in., and just ove...
Creamware
$1,500 / set
H 0.75 in Dm 10.25 in
WEDGWOOD - Four Embossed Queen's Ware Plates - United Kingdom - Circa 1950's
By Wedgwood
Located in Chatham, ON
WEDGWOOD - Set of four vintage Embossed Queen's Ware ceramic plates - signed on the back (green printed back stamp circa 1940-1974 and impressed mark) - United Kingdom - circa 1950's...
Ceramic
Group of Wedgwood Feather Edge Creamware / Pearlware
By Wedgwood
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome 25 piece group of feather edge creamware / pearlware with impressed Wedgwood mark, group includes a tureen with lid, several oval pla...
Porcelain
$668Sale Price|24% Off
H 0.5 in Dm 6 in
Six Wedgwood Majolica Argenta 'Lincoln' Pattern Dessert Dishes
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Six Wedgwood majolica Argenta palette ‘Lincoln' pattern dessert plates with finely molded maroon prunus blossoms and dark taupe pine branches surrounded by a yellow Greek key border. The dishes are decorated in the japonisme style and feature the “Three Friends of Winter” motif, an Asian artistic convention showing the pine, plum, and bamboo together to represent steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. The Wedgwood factory introduced muted Argenta glazes to its majolicas in the 1880s to keep up with ever-changing fashions. The Argenta glaze color palette was more subdued than that of traditionally vibrant majolica, and was thus more appealing to the Aesthetic Movement japonisme style that pervaded the market. These Argenta majolica dessert dishes...
Earthenware, Majolica
Pair Wedgwood Creamware Dishes England Circa 1810
By Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
Made by Wedgwood in England circa 1810, this pair of creamware dishes features a neoclassical border decorated with a band of green acanthus leaves separated by black darts. The bord...
Creamware
Nine Antique Porcelain Dessert Dishes White and Gold with Matching Cookie Plate
Located in Katonah, NY
This set of nine antique porcelain small dessert dishes with a matching cookie or serving plate was made in France circa 1870. The porcelain is white with finely detailed gilt decora...
Porcelain
Seven Creamware Plates With Gilt Herringbone Decoration England Circa 1810
Located in Katonah, NY
This lovely set of seven creamware plates is decorated on the border with a band of brightly gilded leaves and berries within blue lines. The creamware has a rich, creamy color, whic...
Creamware
Set 8 Antique English Worcester Porcelain Hand Painted Strawberry Pattern C.1820
By Flight & Barr Worcester
Located in Katonah, NY
This antique Worcester porcelain dessert set was hand-gilded in England during the Regency period, around 1820. Created by Flight Barr Worcester, the set features the distinctive "St...
Porcelain
Dozen Antique Porcelain Plates Luncheon or Dessert Hand Painted England Ca. 1815
By Derby
Located in Katonah, NY
This set of twelve luncheon or large dessert plates was hand-painted at Derby in England, circa 1815. The plates are decorated with gorgeous summer flowers painted in bright polychro...
Porcelain
Antique Shell-Decorated Worcester Porcelain Plates, Set of Five, Circa 1820
By Flight & Barr Worcester
Located in Katonah, NY
This is a set of five exceptional plates made by Flight Barr and Barr Worcester in England circa 1820. Each plate features a delicate hand-painted shell in a roundel at the center. T...
Porcelain
