COLLECTIONS: WEDGWOOD

imageFrom Sally Schwartz’s Collection, finds from the Randolph Street Market, her monthly treasure chest of goodies.

Wedgwood has been a collectible since it’s founding in 1759 by Josiah Wedgewood.  I don’t collect it but have a couple of friends who do.  An interesting factoid is a Chicago connection to this iconic brand.  Lady Wedgwood is the former Jean Quinn of Chicago who met Piers Wedgwood while she was head of Public Relations at Marshall Field’s.  A true love story that continued until Lord Wedgwood’s death in 2014.  A very gracious couple and not only devoted to each other but to the legacy of the brand.

You can find amazing examples of the Wedgwood pieces in all major museums but I wanted to concentrate on individuals collections and pieces you would be familiar with….let’s look at some…

 imagePrior to being put in place, wonderful green and white Jasperware pieces…this part of the collection is in the butler’s pantry…see next photo for actual placement done with style and panache through the collective eyes and styling of the Heisters!  Before and after photos provided by Linda Heister.

imageGorgeously placed in an antique secretary and on silver serving trays.  These pieces are not just for ornamentation but are used for every day.

image A plaque in the style of Wedgwood in a gilt surround on the front of a wooden chest at last month’s Randolph Street Market.  I found it charming.  Photo by Nena with iPhone.

imageMore collections, “every day” place settings.

imageMore for entertaining…white place settings go with everything like the little black dress, don’t you agree….both photos by Linda Heister.

“Jasperware can be made in different ways. Some pieces are made from a solid colored clay with applied raised designs of a contrasting colored clay. Other pieces are made entirely of one color clay with raised decorations that are glazed with a contrasting color. Jasperware is the most famous of the Wedgwood products. It is a nonporous pottery made in many colors. Additional pieces of Jasperware may also be listed in the Wedgwood category or under various art potteries.” (Taken from the internet, I’m not a Wedgwood expert by any means, but interesting to have a bit of knowledge in our pockets…don’t you agree!)  I am particularly fond of the green, lilac and black….there is also yellow.  By now you know, blue isn’t my color.  I can admire it but don’t do blue in my home.

imageMore green Jasperware in the study.  Several pieces are from the Randolph Street Market, that I gave the homeowners.  Remember to mark your calendar for the next market, Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30 from 10 to 5 http://www.randolphstreetmarket.com.  Not only will you find an item or two to add to your Wedgwood collection but many other collectibles to add to your treasures and many other finds to start something new! Photo courtesy of Linda Heister and this along with the above photos are exclusive to nenasnotes.

imageBeautiful place settings from Margaret Buckman, who started collecting her china at age 12.  Margaret is a lover, like I am, of anything green.  You read the post I did on Margaret and her incredible story of how she has lived her life of art. She has graciously done a place setting for me of her Green and Gold Florentine pattern and then took this photograph exclusively for nenasnotes!  She tells me that there is a Pathé movie (see below), from the 1950’s, showing the making of Wedgwood at their factory and the artisans were hand painting her dishes in the film.

Let’s look at some pieces housed in Museums, images found on Pinterest, photo credits unknown.

imageFrom the Egyptian Collection.  Love the combination of color.

imageToo chic for words…I want this one!

imageThis might change my mind for blue and white!

imageA tie-in to yesterday’s daffodil posting….truly beautiful.

imageAgain, should I rethink my blue aversion, could be added to my Victorian jewelry collection!

imageMy most favorite piece of all, magnificent, I WANT it!

imageI leave you with a sampling of some of the many colors of Jasperware.

Check your favorite bookseller for books on Wedgwood/Jasperware to further explore this unique art form.

8 thoughts on “COLLECTIONS: WEDGWOOD

  1. Quenten April 20, 2017 / 7:37 am

    I’ve been collecting the black and white Wedgwood for 20 years. I adore Wedgwood!
    Thanks for sharing the story.

    • nenasnotes April 20, 2017 / 11:16 am

      Thanks so much. The black and white is stunning. I have a piece or two of the black on black.

  2. Michael April 20, 2017 / 12:30 pm

    Stunning! My grandmother had a Wedgewood vase, always loved the detail and elegance.

    • nenasnotes April 20, 2017 / 12:45 pm

      Thanks Michael. I think most of us think of the blue and white pieces which are stunning but there are so much more variety to admire and collect.

  3. Marcia Buchanan April 21, 2017 / 12:58 pm

    Loved your blog on jasperware. My father collected it for years and I always loved seeing their two cabinets filled to the brim with his collection. I have most of those colors shown and then some all in storage because of no room . However , my two favorites are that I do have out are my very dark blue and tea service from when Queen Elizabeth was coronated, especially made for the occasion. Also, a black basalt and gold leaf leaves on a large jardiniere that has been past down from my grandmother with the markings on the bottom truly exceptional.

    • nenasnotes April 21, 2017 / 1:10 pm

      Thanks Marcia for sharing a wonderful story of your Jasperware. I am love hearing about my readers collections. Get the pieces out of storage and use them…rotate something else into storage and enjoy!!!

      • Marcia Buchanan April 21, 2017 / 1:30 pm

        Good idea. Perhaps I should! I actually was thinking of putting them in auction. I am at that stage where it’s time to clear out, but I may rethink.

      • nenasnotes April 21, 2017 / 1:44 pm

        Good time to reassess, you might find pieces you didn’t remember you had that can work with other treasures. Just like we “shop our closets” for our wardrobe “shop” your storage and find “new” treasures. Keep me updated, I would like to do a post on this subject!!!!

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