A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY: ILLUSTRATIONS FROM DARWIN’S VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

Scenes from the historic voyage of the HMS Beagle decorate Wedgwood’s new collection – Darwin: Voyage of the Beagle.

Imagine the moment when Charles Darwin, the curious grandson of Josiah Wedgwood, expressed his desire to embark on the adventurous voyage of the HMS Beagle. Initially, his father, Robert, had some reservations. Fortunately, it was Charles’s encouraging uncle, Josiah Wedgwood II, who urged Robert to support his son’s quest—a journey that would profoundly impact our understanding of the natural world.
In collaboration with the Cambridge University Library, home to Darwin’s invaluable archive, the talented design team at Wedgwood has beautifully curated a stunning teaware collection inspired by original drawings from this historic voyage. Each piece is expertly crafted in Stoke-on-Trent, England, blending rich history with exquisite craftsmanship.
Adorned with captivating illustrations by Darwin and the ship’s talented artist, Conrad Martens, each set transports you to a different port of call from the Beagle’s journey. Join us as we explore the enchanting illustrations that grace each piece of the Darwin: Voyage of the Beagle collection, and embark on a journey around the world.

BRAZIL

Inspired by Conrad Martens’ original sketches, these pieces from the Darwin Voyage of the Beagle collection feature a detailed depiction of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Botofogo Bay. The Cattleya Orchid, frogs, and butterflies, all named after Darwin, add a touch of whimsy.

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URUGUAY

Discover the wonders of Uruguay and the scenery of Montevideo. Martens’ illustrations captured the coastline and the surrounding terrain of Uruguay’s capital city in July 1832 during the historic journey of the HMS Beagle. His sketches also feature gauchos in their distinctive hats and ponchos.

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PATAGONIA

At its stop in Patagonia, HMS Beagle’s artist Conrad Martens sketched the region's desolate beauty and unique geological formations. Charles Darwin illustrated the flora and fauna of each stop, capturing the slipper orchid, and the Rhea—a flightless bird similar to the ostrich, in Patagonia.

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CHILE

June of 1834, the HMS Beagle first landed in Chile marking the beginning of Darwin’s exploration of the coast. Conrad Martens' sketches capture the Chilean landscapes, bell flowers, insects, and cacti of the South American region.

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GALAPAGOS

In the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, the HMS Beagle landed on the Galapagos Islands. Conrad Martens’ illustrated the scenery around him, the open sea and local flora. The Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Darwin's cotton plant, and Darwin's finches are among the notable discovers Darwin made on his journey.

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TAHITI

The final port of call on our journey. Darwin, Martens, and the HMS Beagle crew all explored the tropical island of Tahiti. Martens’ illustrated his view of Matavai Bay, fishermen in the harbour, and the surrounding forests full of native wildlife.

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ORIGINS

Stories of Darwin’s voyage on HMS Beagle were, in time, shared with his children and their imaginations ran wild...The puckish artworks of outlandish battles between fruit and veg decorating this mug were created by Charles Darwin’s children, with some of them appearing on the original manuscript of ‘Origin of Species’.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

The Darwin: Voyage of the Beagle collection offers more than expertly handcrafted teaware; it celebrates exploration and the wonders of nature. Each piece connects you to Darwin’s journey, inviting you to savour the stories behind the illustrations.