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.
19" German Meissen Porcelain Blue and White Floral Platter with Insects
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Litchfield, CT
Large antique 19th century German Meissen porcelain blue and white platter decorated with hand painted flowers and insects. Measures 19" x 14 1/4" x 1 3/4". Marked with blue crossed ...
Porcelain
Antique Early 19th Century Riley's China Blue & White Transferware Small Platter
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique early 19th century Riley's Semi-China blue and white transfer small platter in the Chinoiserie taste, circa 1820. Decorated with figures in a fanciful landscape town scene. M...
Pottery
Antique 19th Century English Regency Pearlware Blue & White Transferware Platter
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th century English Regency blue & white transferware platter with sphinx and Greek key decoration. Measures 20" x 16" x 1 3/4". Good condition - a few minor rim frits does ...
Pearlware
Enoch Wood Blue Transferware Platter - Brancepeth Castle, Durham Circa 1825
By Enoch Wood & Sons
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th century Enoch Wood and Sons, Burslem blue transfer platter decorated with a landscape park scene with named view of Brancepeth Cast...
Pottery
18th Century French Porcelain Round Charger Platter in Chantilly Blue Sprig
Located in Litchfield, CT
Large antique 18th century French porcelain round charger platter in Chantilly blue sprig - "décor à la brindille" pattern. Nicely shaped...
Porcelain
19th c. English Regency Spode Pearlware Pseudo Tobacco Leaf Dish Pattern 3277
By Josiah Spode
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique early 19th century English Regency Spode pearlware pseudo tobacco leaf dish pattern 3277, circa 1820. Decorated in a vibrant palette of Imari c...
Pearlware
Blue and White Floral Plate Platter Spode England
By Copeland & Garrett Spode
Located in Hastings, GB
A very large blue and white 'Filigree' design platter by Copeland & Garrett Late Spode 1833-1847. Transfer printed design with draining channels, in deep cobalt blue set against the ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Wedgwood Blue, White and Gilt Floral Footed Dish
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Wedgwood blue, white and gilt floral footed dish. Blue, white and gilt footed dish with blue and gilt-painted floral design. Impressed markings for Wedgwood, England, circa 1870. Di...
Ceramic
19th Century English Minton Flow Blue Transferware Ironstone Serving Platter
By Minton
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique 19th-Century English Minton flow blue transferware ironstone serving platter, circa 1840. Maker's marks on reverse. This beautiful...
Ironstone
19th Century Blue and White Ironstone Transferware Platter
By Ironstone China
Located in Elkhart, IN
A lovely late 19th century blue and white ironstone transferware platter with classical urn decoration, architectural details, and a richly patterned border. The soft blue palette an...
Ironstone
North Staffordshire Oval Platter Transferware in the Blue Willow Pattern
By Staffordshire
Located in Lomita, CA
This blue and white porcelain oval transferware platter is from North Staffordshire in the "Willow" pattern. It is in wonderful condition and measures 1...
Ceramic
19th Century Oversize Blue & White Faience Platter Sarreguemines
By Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century oversize blue & white Faience Platter signed Sarreguemines, service Francois. Probably a meat platter. Measures: 18 inches by 14 inches.
Ceramic, Faience
