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.
Josiah Wedgwood Majolica Multi-Color Leaf on Basket Handled Server
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica multi-colored glazed fringed leaf on basket weave handled server, Josiah Wedgwood, Burslem, England – circa 1870. A leaf shaped molded shallow bowl with a pierced twig ha...
Earthenware
English Majolica Greenware Acorn Oak Leaf Twig Handled Deep Dish Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Majolica green glazed leaf pattern deep server, England, circa 1870. A serrate edged rectangular platter with open work twig form double handles. Beautiful mold work showing four ...
Earthenware
Josiah Wedgwood Majolica Multi-Color Leaf on Basket Handled Server
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica multi-colored glazed fringed leaf on basket weave handled server, Josiah Wedgwood, Burslem, England – circa 1870. A leaf shaped molded shallow bowl with a pierced twig ha...
Earthenware
Copeland English Majolica Green Glazed Overlapping Leaf Two Handled Platter
By W. T. Copeland
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From WT Copeland & Garrett pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire England, a handled server, circa 1860-1875. Glazed in a deep, luscious green, showing an overlapping leaf pattern with twig form handles. Serrate edging, in perfect condition. One of a few shapes produced in this pattern, this is the rectangular example. Beautiful mold work with nicely pooled glazing with a light iridescence. 11.75 in. L x 8.5 in. W x 2.0 in. H Marked: Impressed Copeland & Garrett, New Fayence...
Earthenware
English Greenware Majolica Twig Handled Leaf Shaped Server or Vide-Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica green glazed leaf pattern server, England, circa 1880. A serrate edged leaf shaped platter with an open work twig form handle. Beautiful mold work showing smaller branc...
Earthenware
Copeland English Majolica Green Glazed Oval Overlapping Leaf Handled Platter
By W. T. Copeland
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From W.T. Copeland & Sons pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire England, a handled server, circa 1860-1875. Glazed in a deep, luscious green, showing an overlapping leaf patter...
Earthenware
Late 19th Century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sweetmeat Dish
By Wedgewood
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Wedgwood Green Majolica Sweetmeat Dish. Oblong shaped form. Designed as a basket with strawberry leaves - excellent decoration with shading for depth. Stamped: Wedg...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Majolica Tray, circa 1907
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green Majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Porcelain
19th Century Wedgwood Majolica Dish
By Wedgwood
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Wedgwood Majolica dish in the shape of a leaf, with a central medallion surrounded by a vine pattern. Lovely form.
Pottery
Small English Green Majolica Leaf Handled Dish circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Small English Green Majolica Leaf Handled Dish circa 1890
Ceramic
19th Century English Green Leaves Majolica Platter
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century English Green Leaves Majolica Platter.
Ceramic
Wedgwood Leaf Dish, circa 1935
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Pottery
