Keep in-the-know regarding Wedgwood-related events and other news-you-can-use. And if you are aware of current activity on the Wedgwood topic that you’d like to share and have posted here, please email wsbbarnett48@gmail.com.
Current Exhibitions & Reviews
At the Walters Museum in Baltimore, MD, the “Majolica Mania” Exhibition brings visitors back to the Victorian era and highlights the beauty and inventiveness of a once wildly popular ceramic. Held March 13–August 7, 2022.
Upcoming Auctions & Results
Bonhams Skinner August 2022 Sale Highlights
While this summer’s European Decor and Design sale of Wedgwood offerings were slim, the 26 lots that hammered on August 3rd, realized decent prices. Here are a few highlights. The Entire sale results can be viewed at: https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/4226T.
- Pate-sur-Pate Plaque, c1875, 6” oval: $1000
- Pr. Green Jasper Dip Tricolor Diceware Covered Vases, 19th c,, 8 ¼” h: $1000
- Gilded Basalt Canopic Jar, 1978, 9 ¼” h: $1100
- Fairyland Lustre Woodland Bridge Bowl, c1920, 8” dia.: $2100
- Crimson Jasper Dip Barber Bottle, early 20th c, 6 ¾” h: $2100
Antiques Shows
Collectors in the general New England area are likely familiar with the Brimfield Flea Market. The massive event takes place over a 6-day stretch every May, July, and September, with about 2000 dealers offering everything imaginable to an estimated 50,000 attendees flooding Brimfield, Massachusetts. There was Wedgwood spotted this year but not much of the higher-end range. Nonetheless, a worthwhile adventure.
Visit the website at Brimfield Antique Flea Markets for information on the 2023 line-up.
Current Publications
Beyond Wedgwood Blue
The Ruthmere Museum in Indiana held an exhibition, “Beyond Wedgwood Blue”. Now available is a catalogue that features highlights of the exhibit and the history of Wedgwood. Visit: http://ruthmere.wildapricot.org/Exhibit-Catalogues
Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915
The examples in this publication, to include Wedgwood, reflect a range of 19th-century preoccupations, from botany and zoology to popular humor and the macabre, and demonstrate wares used in domestic settings to monumental pieces. Purchase at Yale University Press
The Radical Potter: The Life and Times of Josiah Wedgwood
by Tristram Hunt
A scintillating biography of Josiah Wedgwood, the celebrated eighteenth-century potter, entrepreneur, and abolitionist. Purchase on Amazon
Newsworthy Bits & Bytes
Remembering a friend: Dorothy-Lee Jones Ward
We are most saddened to learn of the death of Dorothy-Lee Jones Ward (January 11, 1927 – August 4, 2022), of Sebago Lake, Maine, and Wellesley, Mass. A WSB past president as well as that of WIS, she was a most gracious lady and Wedgwood legend, serving as mentor to many of us. Her love and expertise was also in the field of glass, as an antiques dealer, and later the founder of the Jones Museum of Glass and Ceramics in Maine. You may find the complete obituary here. A memorial service will be held at Doherty’s Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., Wellesley, Mass., on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 1 pm.
A Call for Images
In January, the Wedgwood Society of Boston will be hosting a Zoom discussion with former Wedgwood master potter and specialist artisan, Dale Bowen. We are seeking images of pieces created by Dale while at the company. If you have any in your collection and would be willing to share images, please contact Adele at WSBbarnett48@gmail.com. Thank you.
Bonhams Acquires Skinner
Yes, it’s true, the global auction house Bonhams has acquired Skinner, senior VP Stuart Slavid reports. Bonhams and Skinner are a great match. With its international reach, Bonhams brings the world to New England, and gives our world-class specialists global access. We are all really excited at the potential created by bringing these businesses together.
Skinner is such an iconic presence in New England, and much-loved and celebrated for the rich treasures it offers. It also has a well-established digital footprint throughout North America that complements Bonhams’ presence which will allow both companies to reach more consignors and buyers. The acquisition will enhance the local to global strategy that underpins Bonhams’ strength in the core market.
Bonham’s loves everything that Skinner brings to the table. Our long history, our excellent staff and depth of knowledge and our strength in the marketplace.
Members’ Choices
Submitted by Adele Barnett
This Sake set was created by Wedgwood’s former potter, Dale Bowen, an artisan known mostly for his Sgraffito and Pate-sur-Pate style in 21st century ceramics. Made in solid pale blue jasper and dipped in midnight blue slip, it is then incised to simulate grains of rice and accented with dots of white slip. Made in 2004 for the Japanese market, I acquired this at the then retail store of Wedgwood headquarters, in Barlaston, England.
Submitted by Liz Collins
This c1800 Wedgwood blue and white Jasper pendant in the form of a cross, backed with metal, was given to me by my grandparents Captain Edward and Anne Holdstock, who were also my godparents, the day I was confirmed. It was purchased in June 1962 at D.M.P. Manheim, an antiques dealer at the time, located on 57th street in New York City.