Wedgwood's History: Where It All Began

Our story began in 1759 when our founder, Josiah Wedgwood I, aged just 29, started as an independent potter in Burslem, England. Fast forward over 260 years later and Wedgwood is still producing many of the materials Josiah invented, such as Jasper, Queen's Ware and Black Basalt.

Wedgwood, timeless eclecticism since 1759.

Mr. Wedgwood

Beginning as an independent potter aged just 29, Josiah Wedgwood experimented avidly with clay, exploring its many possibilities.

He is today remembered as the “Father of English Potters”. His pioneer spirit, vigorous design policy, and his commitment to exacting standards of quality are values that remain at the heart of the brand today.

Did you know?

1. From 1787 until his death in 1795, Josiah Wedgwood actively participated in the Abolition of Slavery cause.
2. Many common sales techniques such as direct mail, money-back guarantee, free delivery, celebrity endorsement, illustrated catalogues and buy one get one free came from Josiah Wedgwood.
3. Charles Darwin, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution, was Josiah Wedgwood's grandson.

Jasperware

Jasper, the most famous of Josiah's inventions, first appeared in 1774 after thousands of experiments. An unglazed vitreous fine stoneware, it was made in blue, green, lilac, yellow, black or white; sometimes one piece combined three or more of these colours. Upon these delicately coloured grounds would be applied the classical and contemporary reliefs which are still made today from moulds reproduced from the originals. The iconic light blue jasper gave rise to the expression "Wedgwood Blue" and remains a recognizable Wedgwood signature worldwide.

Read more about Jasperware

Potter To Her Majesty

Wedgwood's enduring appeal among the world's Royal Families and Heads of State began with Queen Charlotte, who ordered a set of cream-colored earthernware. It pleased her so much that Josiah Wedgwood was granted permission to style himself 'Potter to Her Majesty' and call his innovative Creamware 'Queen's Ware'.

Since the time of Queen Charlotte, Wedgwood collections were to grace the tables of British monarchs and many other illustrious Heads of State, such as in the Vatican, the Kremlin and the White House. It was also the brand of choice for some of the world's most prestigious hotels.

In 1995, Wedgwood was granted the Royal Warrant, a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services to the Royal Households for at least five years, from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Wedgwood craftmanship

Since 1940 the Wedgwood factory in Barlaston, England has combined modern technology with the ancient skills of throwing, modelling and decorating. These precious skills are preserved through a solid apprenticeship program, reintroduced to meet the growing global demand for some of Wedgwood's most exclusive signature pieces. Apprentices train for up to 10 years to become Master Craftspeople.

Read more

Wedgwood 260 years

It's been over two centuries since Josiah Wedgwood began to inspire people all over the world to decorate and dress their tables with creativity and style.

Steeped in a rich heritage, over 260 wonderful years later, Wedgwood continues to be renowned for quality, innovative British design and timeless elegance.

Read more
Flolar patterned colourful teaware on a wooden table

Part of Fiskars Group

Wedgwood is part of Fiskars Group, the global home of design-driven brands for indoor and outdoor living. Together, we enable enjoyable moments, powered by our strong brand passion, consumer focus and forward-looking drive to shape the classics of tomorrow – unified and driven by our common purpose: pioneering design to make the everyday extraordinary.

Read more about Fiskars Group