Josiah Wedgwood thumbnail 1

Josiah Wedgwood

Plaque
19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Portrait medallions had long been made in metal, and were popular in wax and ivory in mid-18th century England. Wedgwood, however, was the first person to manufacture them in stoneware on a commercial scale.

Use
This medallion of Wedgwood himself was made as the pair to one of his partner Thomas Bentley (museum no. 453-1890). They were made for personal reasons and were probably not intended to be reproduced commercially. The earliest of these medallions were probably given to close friends of the two partners. Later, after the firm had become famous, others were made using the original moulds. They were probably hung on walls in wood or brass frames or stored in cabinets.

People
Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) was one of the most remarkable entrepreneurs and innovators of the 18th century. The foundation of his commercial empire, and of his great reputation as a potter and businessman, was the several ceramic materials and decorative treatments he developed or perfected. The most important of these were Black Basalt, Jasper and 'Queen's Ware.' Prompted by Thomas Bentley, he was swift to exploit the new Neo-classical style, introducing new ceramic materials and products in order to satisfy this shift in taste. His factory at Etruria became one of the industrial marvels of the day.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleJosiah Wedgwood (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Stoneware
Brief description
Portrait medallion of Josiah Wedgwood, white and black stoneware. English, made by Wedgwood, 19th century.
Physical description
Portrait medallion of Josiah Wedgwood, white and black stoneware.
Dimensions
  • Height: 12.7cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Wedgwood'
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
Wedgwood manufactured a number of portraits for private and personal reasons rather than as commercial productions. Joachim Smith, the modeller, was an accomplished artist, but Wedgwood dismissed him because of his contacts with the rival porcelain factory at Derby.
Credit line
The Jodrell Collection
Object history
Made at Josiah Wedgwood's factory, Etruria, Staffordshire; modelled by Joachim Smith (born about 1737, died in 1814).
The Collection was the bequest of Mrs. Amelia Vertue Jodrell, who asked in her will for the credit line to read 'The Jodrell Collection'.
Summary
Object Type
Portrait medallions had long been made in metal, and were popular in wax and ivory in mid-18th century England. Wedgwood, however, was the first person to manufacture them in stoneware on a commercial scale.

Use
This medallion of Wedgwood himself was made as the pair to one of his partner Thomas Bentley (museum no. 453-1890). They were made for personal reasons and were probably not intended to be reproduced commercially. The earliest of these medallions were probably given to close friends of the two partners. Later, after the firm had become famous, others were made using the original moulds. They were probably hung on walls in wood or brass frames or stored in cabinets.

People
Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) was one of the most remarkable entrepreneurs and innovators of the 18th century. The foundation of his commercial empire, and of his great reputation as a potter and businessman, was the several ceramic materials and decorative treatments he developed or perfected. The most important of these were Black Basalt, Jasper and 'Queen's Ware.' Prompted by Thomas Bentley, he was swift to exploit the new Neo-classical style, introducing new ceramic materials and products in order to satisfy this shift in taste. His factory at Etruria became one of the industrial marvels of the day.
Associated object
Bibliographic reference
Hildyard, Robin. European Ceramics. London : V&A Publications, 1999. 144 p., ill. ISBN 185177260X
Collection
Accession number
454-1890

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 2, 2002
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest