DINE WITH THE GODS: THE BACCHUS COLLECTION

CLASSICAL STORYTELLING

The collection is inspired by the myth of The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne. This tale of love, abandonment and divine rescue - spoiler alert – sees Ariadne left behind on the island of Naxos by Theseus. Luckily, she is discovered by Bacchus and welcomed into his joyful celestial procession.

This narrative, rich with symbolism and energy, is woven into the design language of the collection, from swirling vine motifs to the dynamic forms of the pieces themselves.

EXQUISITE CRYSTAL ARTISTRY

 The centrepiece of the collection is the Bacchus Crystal Plaque, a rare, made-to-order work of art crafted by expert crystal artisans in Ireland. 

It takes four craftspeople 290 hours to produce this piece, utilising techniques such as blowing, sculpting and copper wheel engraving. Mounted on its own plinth, this sculpture captures the spirit of Bacchus in sophisticated style. 

THE CRAFT BEHIND THE COLLECTION

Elegant craft touches abound across this collection. For example, on the tableware pieces, each gilded accent is painstakingly applied by hand by three gilders, who boast almost a century of experience between them. 

Each piece takes around 2 hours to gild. It takes five firings in two kilns at precisely calibrated temperature before, an act of alchemy, burnishing transforms the gilding into a shining 23-carat gold finish.

Similarly, the Jasper pieces are moulded, trimmed, sculpted and ornamented by hand. The base of each Jasper piece also tells its own story as there, next to the Wedgwood impress, are the initials of the craftsperson who worked on it, a proud signature that makes each item unique.

WEDGWOOD & BACCHUS – A RICH HISTORY

Bacchus and Bacchanalian motifs have featured many times on Wedgwood pieces since the late 18th century. These pieces include plaques, busts, figurines and – perhaps most famously - the Borghese vase relief crafted by John De Vaere c.1790.

Earliest designs often utilised black basalt, including intaglio cameos, and statement jugs, such as Sacred to Bacchus (1778-1780). There is also a rich legacy of plaque design celebrating Bacchus, including an oval white Jasper ware with black dip and white applied bas-relief piece (c. 1789-1800) designed by Lady Diana Beauclerk, and The Triumph of Bacchus, in green Jasper, modelled c. 1776 by the revered William Hackwood.

Honouring this rich legacy, this contemporary expression of the Bacchus story – with its jubilant processions of satyrs, maenads, and mythical beasts - is brought to life through exquisite crystal and Jasperware craftsmanship, demonstrating a mastery of design across multiple media.