Wedgwood Pottery

Josiah Wedgwood was the youngest of thirteen children who was born in 1730, in Burslem, Stoke, to potter Thomas Wedgwood. His father died when he was 9, and he was apprenticed to his elder brother to learn the trade of a potter. When 11 years of age, Josiah contracted smallpox resulting in the deformation and subsequent amputation of his right leg. Josiah?s disability precluded him from the physical task of manufacturing pottery; therefore his interest and labors were concentrated on the business and discipline of pottery.

In 1754 Josiah went into partnership with Thomas Whieldon, a well-respected potter, and eventually he set up his own shop is Burslem. Josiah experimented with glazes and clays, and honed his entrepreneurial skills. During this period Josiah created cream ware, which was patented in 1763 and became a particular favorite of the reigning monarchy Queen Charlotte. Upon request Queen Charlotte granted Josiah?s request to call his cream ware Queens ware, which gave his product a tremendous marketing advantage.

Josiah?s acute business acumen was clearly displayed by the development of modern manufacturing techniques that separated the manufacture of ornamental items from useful wares with the use of production lines employing hundreds, each with specific functions. Weekly salaries were paid rather than piecework, which was another innovation that made employment with Josiah Wedgwood highly coveted. He introduced the first Clocking-In system, and invented the pyrometer to gauge kiln temperatures, which earned him commendation as a fellow of the royal society.

In 1762 Josiah partnered with Thomas Bentley, a merchant primarily interested in marketing. Josiah concentrated on the technical aspects of the business, working to develop manufacturing techniques involved in the creation of Basalt ware and Jasper ware. The black Basalt was first produced in 1768, named after the fashionable Egyptian rock, Basalt ware became highly popular. Jasper ware, which required meticulous experimentation was developed using barium sulphate to produce dense white stoneware that was easily tinted. Jasper ware was highly popular, becoming the hallmark of Wedgwood pottery. The most fashionable color of the time was blue, and remains so today, although different colors have been produced to satisfy fashion demands. Initially created using a solid color base, in 1778 Wedgwood began using a white base with slip coating to rectify color bleed problems, but reverted back to using the solid base in the twentieth century.

Josiah Wedgwood died in 1795, leaving the business to his son Thomas. Josiah never enjoyed good health, however he had created an enduring legacy. As a scientist he had developed the technology of potting, and as an entrepreneur he developed modern workplace techniques. His efforts elevated him from a simple tradesman to a well-respected member of society, his handicap seemingly having no dilatory effects on his sense of accomplishment. Wedgwood remains a leading manufacturer, celebrated worldwide for the superiority of their products.