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.
$1,250 / set
H 0.5 in Dm 10.5 in
Wedgwood “Chinese Flowers” Bone China Dinner Service, 4 Place Settings
By Wedgewood
Located in Morristown, NJ
A refined Wedgwood bone china dinner service in the celebrated “Chinese Flowers” pattern, produced in England for the Colonial Williamsburg Founda...
Enamel
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
$780 / set
H 2 in W 10 in D 10 in
Theodore Haviland Ashley Bone China Dinnerware Set, Mid-Century Style
Located in Birmingham, AL
Elevate your dining experience or add to the vintage collection with this stunning, classic dinnerware set from Theodore Haviland New York in the highly sought-after Ashley pattern. ...
Bone
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
Ralph Lauren Wedgewood Clearwater Dinnerware ~ 4 Place Settings
By Ralph Lauren
Located in New York, NY
Four place settings in the Clearwater pattern by Wedgwood for Ralph Lauren. Features a cable knit motif at trim and brand stamp at undersides. Made in England, circa 2000. Origina...
Ceramic
$439 / set
H 3 in W 8.5 in D 7.37 in
Limoges Antique Tressamane and Voght Bowls, Cups, Saucers, Salad Plates
By Limoges
Located in Lomita, CA
Beautiful antique pieces of Limoges china, elegant and near mint condition, can complete an existing set or complement an unrelated set of white china. Pattern is TRV087. This small collection of 17 pieces is exquisite. There are three cups with gold gilt handles (3.75" x 2.25") (saucer: 6"). Please note: One cup has a hairline crack. Delicately decorated white ware from a time when tasteful simplicity was the hallmark of a well dressed table...
Ceramic
English Ironstone French Provincial Style Salad Plates set/8
By Johnson Brothers
Located in Malibu, CA
A charming set of eight English ironstone salad plates in the French Provincial style, offering timeless elegance for both everyday dining and special occasions. Crafted in durable i...
Ironstone
Antique Wedgwood Creamware Floral Banded Part Service
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Antique Wedgwood creamware floral banded part service. Set of English creamware dishes comprising two large round serving plates, one shaped...
Creamware
11 Antique Wedgwood Etruria England Mennecy 5283 Dinner Serving Plates 9"
By Wedgwood
Located in Dayton, OH
Eleven Wedgwood creamware transferware scalloped plates in the Mennecy pattern, circa 1900s. The plates features a scenic transfer design, referred to as Mennecy, which showcases p...
Porcelain
