Wedgwood: A Story of Creation and Innovation

Description

This is the definitive book on Wedgwood, the preeminent luxury china brand in the world and the essence of English design and craftsmanship. Founded in 1759, Wedgwood has a deep heritage in pottery making that represents timeless design and enduring style. The eponymous founder, Josiah Wedgwood, was an entrepreneur and visionary who quickly became Britain's most successful ceramics pioneer, elevating pottery from a cottage craft into a luxury good and an art form. He was the mastermind behind Wedgwood's most enduring pieces, including Queen's Ware, Black Basalt, and Jasperware. That tradition of master craftsmanship and innovation continues today as Wedgwood works with celebrated designers such as Vera Wang and Jasper Conran. With historic photographs, drawings, and watercolors from Wedgwood's extensive archive, which display the craftsmanship and technical innovation, this book is a visual celebration of English design. It offers a lavish look at some of the most timeless china creations in history with a focus on Wedgwood's 100 icons, in-depth essays on the brand and its history, and pattern books and sketches from the Wedgwood archives. While paying homage to the pioneering spirit of Wedgwood, this volume documents the achievements of a brand that is a symbol of elegance and timelessness, infusing classic craftsmanship with fresh design, and promises to impress fans of Wedgwood, old and new.

Gaye Blake-Roberts is a design historian and the curator of the Museum at Wedgwood. Alice Rawsthorn, OBE, is a British design critic who writes for the international edition of the New York Times. Mariusz Skronski is the creative and strategic director at Fiskars Living Brands.

"This book is a fascinating look at the beauty and craftsmanship of Wedgwood pottery and at the good business acumen and community stewardship of Josiah Wedgwood" -Maine Antique Digest "Here's the most comprehensive presentation to date of Wedgwood, English purveyor of fine china, porcelain, and luxury accessories known for its timeless, elegant, and classic designs." -The Society Diaries "Penned by design historian Gaye Blake-Roberts, traces the luxury English heritage brand's 258 year history, detailing settings to suit every bride's preferred take on finery" -California Style Magazine "Wedgwood's founding 258 years ago and its pioneering vision and display of craftsmanship over the past two and a half centuries will be heralded in a new book about the brand due out next month." -HFM Magazine