Wedgwood Timeline

The Wedgwood company is founded by Josiah Wedgwood I

Six First Day's Vases were thrown by Josiah Wedgwood I himself, to mark the official opening of the new Etruria factory.

Josiah presents Empress Catherine the Great of Russia with the 952 piece dinner set commissioned by her, known as the Frog Service.

Josiah perfects his Jasper body. After thousands of experiments Josiah perfects the world famous ceramic.

Wanting to awaken the public to the injustice of the slave trade, Josiah produces the Slave medallion in Jasper. Sends on to Benjamin Franklin.

Copying the ancient Barberini Vase, Josiah painstakingly reproduces the Portland Vase in Jasper to great success.

Bone china is produced for the first time in the Wedgwood factory.

White Jasper joins the Jasper family, making it possible to produce three-colour ornamentation.

1,282 fine bone china Wedgwood pieces are commissioned to grace the table of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Wedgwood Factory moves from Etruria to a 300-acre estate in Barlaston. It remains today as the company's headquarters.

Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation banquet is served on a 1,200-piece Wedgwood Persephone design dinner service.

Wedgwood's luxury credentials were enhanced by merging with Waterford, the Irish Crystal producer, becoming known as the Waterford Wedgwood group.

The Russian Government orders a staggering 47,000-piece fine bone china service.

Wedgwood celebrates 250 magnificent years of business.