“It is so difficult that without the constant attention of the master’s eye, such variations are frequently made in the form and taste of the work, even while the model is before the workman, as totally to change and degrade the character of the piece.
“Beautiful forms and compositions are not to be made by chance; and they never were made nor can be made in any kind at a small expense; but the proprietors of this manufactory have the satisfaction of knowing, by a careful comparison, that the prices of many of their ornaments are much lower, and of all of them as low as those of any other ornamental works in Europe, of equal quality and bisqué, notwithstanding the high price of labour in England, and they are determined rather to give up the making of any article than to degrade it. They do not manufacture for those who estimate works of ornament by their magnitude, and who would buy pictures at so much a foot. They have been happy in the encouragement and support of many illustrious persons who judge of the works of Art by better principles; and so long as they have the honour of being thus patronised, they will endeavour to support and improve the quality and taste of their manufactures.”
Such were Wedgwood’s ideals, and he raised the making of pottery in England into a fine art. The inscription on his monument at Stoke-upon-Trent shows the esteem with which his contemporaries held him.
Sacred to the Memory of
JOSIAH WEDGWOOD, F.R.S. & S.A.,
Of Etruria, in this County,
Born in August, 1730, died January 3rd, 1795,
Who converted a rude and inconsiderable manufacture into an elegant art and an important part of national Commerce.
By these services to his country he acquired an ample fortune,
Which he blamelessly and reasonably enjoyed,
And generously dispensed for the reward of merit and the relief of misfortune.
His mind was inventive and original, yet perfectly sober and well regulated;
His character was decisive and commanding, without rashness or arrogance;
His probity was inflexible, his kindness unwearied;
His manners simple and dignified, and the cheerfulness of his temper was the natural reward of the activity of his pure and useful life.
He was most loved by those who knew him best,
And he has left indelible impressions of affection and veneration on the minds of his family, who have erected this monument to his memory.
The marks used by the Wedgwoods have been few. It is usually the name Wedgwood, occurring in various sized type from time to time. In passing, we may say that the manufacture of china was never attempted by the great Josiah. His work was earthenware and not porcelain. But some of it had many of the qualities of china, the more delicate ware being nearly semi-transparent, as is china. About the year 1808, and only for a few years, was china made at Etruria, and then not to any extent; consequently specimens are very scarce. The mark on this china is the name WEDGWOOD in small capitals printed in red or blue.
On all other wares the name WEDGWOOD is impressed, in some specimens in large capitals, in others in small capitals, WEDGWOOD.
Sometimes, though rarely, the name occurs in ordinary type, Wedgwood. On other pieces the name occurs thus:—
WEDGWOOD
ETRURIA.