Stallholder George Dolling (Unit 66) is our resident Wedgwood expert, especially early Wedgwood. He has highlighted 2 pieces from his current collection.
WEDGWOOD CAPRIWARE TEAPOT
This teapot was produced by Wedgwood between 1830 and 1891. It is made from their well known high quality black basalt stoneware (in production since 1768), intended to imitate natural basalt. Its versatility meant that it could be used for all sorts of different designs, from library busts to delicate jewellery.
The shape of the teapot is one of Wedgwood’s most famous, known as shape 146 and can be found in many patterns. The additional polychrome enamel decoration is known as ‘Chinese Flowers’ and when it is applied onto the black basalt the finished result is known as ‘Capriware’.
Drawing on both Western and Eastern traditions, it is a beautiful example of Wedgwood’s 19th Century design and craftmanship.
CAMBRIDGE ALE JUG
The Cambridge Ale Jug was produced by Wedgwood in 1850, they were originally made for the Cambridge University colleges, between 1850 and 1890’s.
Contrary to its appearance, it is not made from terracotta earthenware, but rather from Wedgwood’s ‘Rosso Antico’ stoneware. This stoneware is fired at a higher temperature than traditional earthenware which results in some of its constituent minerals turning to glass.
Like all Wedgwood’s dry bodies, it is non porous making any glaze purely decorative. The quality of Wedgwood’s rosso antico is demonstrated by its fineness of finish and tactile nature.
The Ale Jug is from George’s personal collection, but the teapot is currently for sale in his unit (unit 66) at Hungerford Arcade.
