Please note that some of our lectures continue to be held via video conferencing and all members receive an email notice with the ZOOM link. Otherwise, in-person meetings are held in the greater Boston area and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise indicated.
Next Meeting
On Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. EST, the WSB will host via video-conferencing, “My Works at Wedgwood: An Interactive Discussion with Dale Bowen”. Dale, a Staffordshire native, is a former Wedgwood master potter and specialist artist, most known for his sgraffito, slip painting, and pate-sur-pate style pottery. Currently, following his departure from Wedgwood in 2009, Dale operates his own studio creating works in ceramics and other media. This casual presentation will feature some of his works not only for the Wedgwood brand, but special commissions as well.
Normally the WSB Zoom lectures are members-only events. But this special one will be open to the public so that Dale’s many followers from Great Britain and beyond may enjoy such participation. A week or two prior to the lecture, the Zoom link will be emailed to WSB members, as well as be posted on all the Wedgwood groups Facebook pages. If you are not a member and wish to enjoy future meetings and newsletters, we welcome you to join the WSB. Visit the website and the Become a Member page.
2022–2023 Meeting and Lecture Schedule
Sunday September 18, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Members’ Participation: “Annual Wedgwood Bits & Pieces”; to be held in-person at the Dedham Museum and Archives, Dedham, MA
Sunday, November 13, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Liz Collins: “A Love Affair with Wedgwood Through the Generations”; to be held via Zoom
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Dale Bowen, former Wedgwood Master Potter: “My Works at Wedgwood: An Interactive Discussion”; to be held via Zoom
Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Rebecca Klarner, Assistant Curator, V&A Wedgwood Museum: “Norman Wilson at Wedgwood”; to be held via Zoom
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. The Elizabeth Chellis Memorial Lecture: Peggy Kerner: “Who Was Eleanor Coade and What is Her Connection to Josiah Wedgwood”; and Annual General Meeting; to be held via Zoom
Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. Members & Guest Participation: “Annual Summer Social”; to be held in-person at a restaurant t/b/d
Highlights from Previous Meetings
Bits and Pieces
One of the most-attended meetings each year is the WSB “Bits & Pieces” session. Members have the opportunity to display and discuss a Wedgwood object or two from their collection. Sometimes there is a theme focus, other times it’s a most recent acquisition or simply a favorite piece. Shown here is an example which represents the largest Wedgwood object in one WSB member’s collection. This c. 1895 Mountbatten Vase stands at more than 24″ tall.
Wörlitz by Harwood Johnson
Having visited Wörlitz in Germany, Woody Johnson shared the history and images of the Wedgwood objects acquired by Leopold III Friedrich Franz, Prince von Anhalt-Dessau (1740–1817). The 18th century palace and its collections still stand intact to this day. The example here is a pair of Wedgwood & Bentley variegated vases on basalt plinths.
Classic Black by Brian Gallagher
Curator Brian Gallagher of the Mint Museum, Charlotte, N.C., presented “Classic Black: The Basalt Sculpture of Wedgwood and His Contemporaries,” an exhibit he staged along with an accompanying book. Shown here is Somnus (the sleeping baby).