Masterpieces of Wedgwood in the British Museum

Aileen Dawson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714105317 ISBN 13: 9780714105314

Publisher: British Museum Press, 1984

The British Museum's extensive collection of Wedgwood ware contains some of the finest specimens ever made by the factory. Through a close study of the most stunning pieces in the collection, Aileen Dawson reviews the remarkable history of the factory from its foundation up to modern times. Letters and documents bring to life the eighteenth century society whose taste Wedgwood both exploited and influenced, and reveal, too, his close relationship with modellers, painters and sculptors. A chapter is devoted to each of Wedgwood's two most famous masterpieces, the Portland and Pegasus vases.

Product Description:

160 pages with 20 colour and 110 black-and-white illustrations

Synopsis:

This revised edition draws on the masterpieces of the British Museum's collection to present a history of the golden age of the Wedgewood factory. It describes the achievements of the founder of the firm, Josiah Wedgwood, and uses letters and documents to reveal his close relationship with modellers, painters and sculptors. The Pegasus and Portland Vases are both considered in detail and the author goes on to trace the subsequent development of the firm into the 20th century.