The Wonderful World Of Wedgwood

Statue of Josiah Wedgwood at the entrance to World Of Wedgwood

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have spotted a couple of images from my trip to Stoke-on-Trent last week with Amara, to spend the day exploring the World Of Wedgwood with a group of other bloggers. And what a great day it was...

Bisqueware (unglazed ceramic pieces) on the factory floor

Bisqueware with glaze awaiting it's next firing. The factory fires around 6,000 pieces a day.

We were whisked straight off for a factory tour on arrival, and were lucky that some particularly prestigious pieces were being worked on that day, including a Dynasty plate, and a section of a Jasperware Borghese Vase.

Specialist decorator Bruce, applying Raising Paste to a Dynasty plate

The Borghese Vase was adapted from an antique vase dating back to around 1790, and takes eight craftsmen over 200 hours to create. No wonder then that it has quite the hefty price tag!

Another specialist decorator gilding a section of a Borghese Vase. The brown will turn to gold as the oils burn off once fired.

In contrast to Bone China, Jasperware remains matt after firing, and is 'ornamented' rather than 'decorated'. The process is highly specialised and completely fascinating.

A finished Dynasty plate and Borghese Vase (Images - Wedgwood)

Next we had a tour of the Wedgwood Museum, which really is a treasure-trove of ceramic delights. Set out in chronological order, it's captivating to see how the techniques and trends evolved over the years. The story of Josiah Wedgwood, the history of his company, tireless passion for ceramics and developing ceramic techniques and technology is awe inspiring.

Caneware Teapot

My favourite pieces in the museum date back to 1780 (the Caneware Teapot above) and 1879 (the Shell and Coral Majolica below). I'd give my firstborn for that teapot and milk jug. Okay, not really (sorry Edie), but I do love it. A lot.

Shell and Coral Majolica Teapot and Milk Jug

China Tiger (a.k.a Foo Dog) Teacup and Saucer c.1813 (oh I do love a bit of Chinoiserie!)

After our museum tour, we were taken into the stunning Tea Room (via the equally gorgeous Tea Emporium) for a proper afternoon tea including finger sandwiches, scones and cakes, accompanied by Wedgwood tea of choice. I had the Earl Grey (no, not very adventurous, but it's what I like, and a good loose-leaf Earl Grey is hard to beat!).

Wedding display in the Tea Emporium

Decorative Brass Doors leading into the Tea Room

As great as the food was (and it really was lovely!), the interior of the Tea Room was even better. Modern yet timeless with stunning wallpaper adapted from the Wedgwood Hibiscus pattern (seen here on a teapot), brass details and blue velvet banquettes - it was heavenly.

The Wedgwood Hibiscus Pattern

Hibiscus Pattern Wallpaper in the Tea Room

Those Blue Velvet Banquettes!

Brass Framed Mirrors and Grey Moulded Walls (say hi to some of my fellow bloggers Alina and Yasmin!)

And these wall lights against the dark grey moulded walls are hard to beat. I want them. The moulding has pretty much cemented the idea to add some into my next room makeover project at home.

Brass Wall Light on Grey Moulded Wall. Hmmm YES PLEASE!

After all the tea and cake I could quite happily have curled up on one of those banquettes for a little snooze, alas it was time to move on and try our hand at either a bit of pot throwing on the wheel or plate decorating before heading back home, exhausted, but thoroughly inspired.

I totally recommend doing a day trip to Stoke-On-Trent to visit the World Of Wedgwood, and I want to go back soon myself with the kids - Edie in particular would really enjoy seeing the process that goes into making ceramics and having a go herself. I know she'd also love the Tea Emporium and Tea Room just as much as me. Baxter on the other hand, would be a bit like, well... a bull in a china shop! Sorry.

Wedding Display in the Tea Emporium

Oh and did I mention there's also a factory outlet shop? Culture, shopping and bargains. What's not to like?!

Thanks so much for having me Amara and Wedgwood!