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.
20th Century French Metal Champagne Bucket with Side Handles
Located in High Point, NC
A 20th century French champagne bucket crafted in metal, featuring a cylindrical form with side handles for ease of use. The design emphasizes functionality with a balanced and pract...
Metal
French Champagne Bucket Silver Plate 8 Bottle Wine Cooler Bollinger
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Wonderful large French silver plate wine cooler that can hold 8 bottles What a great accessory for any party Great patina to the silver plate On one side there is a quote from Lily B...
Silver Plate
Steel champagne bucket, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A French champagne bucket from the 1970s, crafted from stainless steel, boasts a simple yet elegant design. Slightly conical in shape, it rests on a stable circular base and features...
Chrome
Meissen wine / champagne cooler in hand-painted porcelain with flowers.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen wine / champagne cooler in hand-painted porcelain with flowers and gold edge. Handles are modelled as branches. Early 20th century. Me...
Porcelain
Silver Plated and Leather Champagne Bucket, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice champagne bucket is made of silver plated and leather. This is a French work. Circa 1970 Additional Information: Material: Silver Plate, Leather Period: Circa 1970 Dimensi...
Silver Plate
$1,510
H 15.75 in Dm 17.72 in
Large Luxury Silver Plated Champagne Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler on Pedestal 45 cm
Located in Wembley, GB
Large Luxury Silver Plated Champagne Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler on Pedestal – 45 cm Wide Elegant Entertaining Centrepiece Elevate your entertaining with this impressive large silver pl...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate
Mason's Ironstone Ice Pail, Two-Handled Wine Cooler, Circa 1818
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very rare, ironstone Two Handled, Ice Pail or Wine Cooler Pot, made by Mason's Patent Ironstone China Company, of Lane Delph, Staffordshire, England, circa 1818. This piece is substantial and heavily potted, weighing about 2.2 Kg un-packed. The pot is circular with 12 vertical sections, sitting on a low foot with an everted rim. The two side handles are strongly potted and this piece is quite suitable for use or display, as an ice bucket, wine bottle cooler or perhaps as a vase or centre piece. The piece is decorated in the Mason's recorded pattern called "Basket of Flowers" which is a vibrant floral pattern, hand polychrome enamelled over a sepia print on a white glaze. This pattern is illustrated on Page 30...
Ironstone
Christofle Art Deco Luc Lanel design Champagne Wine Bucket Cooler, C.1930
By Christofle
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Christofle Art Deco Luc Lanel design Champagne Wine Bucket Cooler, C.1930. This design very rarely seen with square shape handles. Height: approximately 8.25 inches. Christofle O Gallia...
Silver Plate
Maling Cetem Ware Pottery Pail and Cover with Wicker Handle, Newcastle
Located in Downingtown, PA
Maling Cetem Ware Pottery Pail and Cover with Wicker Handle, Newcastle This charming and decorative Maling Pottery pail and cover was produced under th...
Pottery
$2,895
H 7 in W 11.5 in D 10.5 in
English Art Deco Silver Top Hat Champagne Bucket or Cooler by Mappin and Webb
By Mappin & Webb
Located in Austin, TX
A dapper Art Deco era champagne bucket or wine cooler of fine plate silver in the elegant shape of a gentleman's top hat by the celebrated English silversm...
Metal, Silver Plate
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket or Wine Champagne Cooler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket Kitchen Pot Cauldron in Cast Iron Popular cast iron cauldron with hand-painted details. From Galicia at the nor...
Iron
Champagne Wine Cooler Ice Bucket Stand / Drinks Stand in Gilt Iron and Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind foliage gilt iron tripod stand with pressed glass ice bucket, Spain, 1940s-1950s This iron ice bucket serving stand is all made by hand. The handwrought iron stand has ...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Champagne Wine Cooler Ice Bucket with Stand in Gilt Iron & Faceted Crystal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Foliage gilt iron tripod stand with faceted crystal ice bucket, Spain, 1940s This iron ice bucket serving stand is all made by hand. The handwrought iron stand has a leafed richly ad...
Crystal, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Valentí Brass Basket Ice Bucket Wine Cooler / Centerpiece, 1950s
By Valenti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-century Modern Basket Ice Bucket Centerpiece in Brass. Spain, 1950-1960 Manufactured by Valentí. Large size. Stylish Midcentury basket shaped centerpiece bowl or champagne / wi...
Brass
Champagne Cooler Ice Bucket with Side Handle in Copper and Brass
Located in Barcelona, ES
French copper and brass ice bucket or wine / champagne cooler with single handle This hand-hammered copper cauldron is heavily adorned by the hammer marks thorough and a brass ring w...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Champagne Wine Cooler Ice Bucket Stand in Gilt Iron and Glass, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt iron tripod wine cooler stand with pressed glass ice bucket, Spain, 1940s-1950s This iron ice bucket serving stand is all made by hand. The handwrought iron stand has a leafed t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
