Gilding

Gilding and raised gold decorations is applied to many Wedgwood pieces. For raised gold work the relief decorations is applied in a paste and fired. The raised pattern is then gilded by hand. This technique was introduced in 1802.

Flower Vase

Based on an original vase from the late 19th century, this decorative ceramic masterpiece has the classical shape for which Wedgwood ornamental pieces are renowned.

Ornamenting

Ornamenting is the process of applying moulded relief ornament to the surface of an item. The ornaments are applied by hand to a moistened surface and affixed with gentle pressure requiring considerable skill.

Portland Vase

In late 1789, Josiah Wedgwood I celebrated a monumental achievement - a reproduction in Jasper of the Portland or Barberini Vase - a magnificent first century cameo glass artefact.

The Portland Vase was purchased in 1786 by the third Duke of Portland, who immediately lent it to Wedgwood so that he might make a copy of the piece in Jasper. Only then did Josiah discover the vase was not made of stone, but of glass.

Undaunted, Josiah enlisted his finest modellers - Henry Webber and William Hackwood - to help him. At last, in late 1789, Wedgwood was satisfied.