Josiah Wedgwood
- Introduction
- Josiah Wedgwood (12 July 1730 – 3 January 1795) was an English potter, entrepreneur, and abolitionist. He founded the Wedgwood company. He developed improved pottery bodies by a long process of systematic experimentation, and was the leader in the industrialisation of the manufacture of European pottery (the Chinese having achieved this long before).The renewed classical enthusiasms of the late 1760s and early 1770s were of major importance to his sales promotion. His expensive goods were in much demand from the upper classes, while he used emulation effects to market cheaper sets to the rest of society. Every new invention that Wedgwood produced – green glaze, creamware, black basalt and jasperware – was quickly copied. Having once achieved efficiency in production, he obtained efficiencies in sales and distribution. His showrooms in London gave the public the chance to see his complete range of tableware.Wedgwood's company never made porcelain during his lifetime, but specialized in fine earthenwares and stonewares that had many of the same qualities, but were considerably cheaper. He made great efforts to keep the designs of his wares in tune with current fashion. He was an early adopter of transfer printing which gave similar effects to hand-painting for a far lower cost. Meeting the demands of the consumer revolution and growth in wealth of the middle classes that helped drive the Industrial Revolution in Britain, Wedgwood is sometimes credited as the inventor of modern marketing. He pioneered direct mail, money back guarantees, self-service, free delivery, buy one get one free, and illustrated catalogues.A prominent abolitionist fighting slavery, Wedgwood is remembered too for his Am I Not a Man And a Brother? anti-slavery medallion. He was a member of the Darwin–Wedgwood family, and he was the grandfather of Charles and Emma Darwin.
- Wikidata
- Q319331
- Introduction
- Wedgwood was the founder of the successful and respected ceramics manufactory of the same name.
- Nationalities
- British, English
- Gender
- Male
- Roles
- Artist, Ceramicist, Owner
- Name
- Josiah Wedgwood
- Ulan
- 500062605
Exhibitions
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Artist’s Choice: Vik Muniz, Rebus
Dec 11, 2008–Feb 23, 2009
MoMA
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Architecture and Design: Inaugural Installation
Nov 20, 2004–Nov 7, 2005
MoMA
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Humble Masterpieces
Apr 8–Sep 27, 2004
MoMA
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20th Century Design from the Museum Collection
Dec 17, 1958–Feb 23, 1959
MoMA
-
Useful Objects in Wartime Under $10
Dec 2, 1942–Jan 9, 1943
MoMA
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Josiah Wedgwood has
6 exhibitionsonline.
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