Wedgwood « Past Imperfect, The Art of Inventive Repair

Posts Tagged ‘Wedgwood’

Black basalt Wedgwood teapot, c.1920

Sunday, January 14th, 2018

This small squat black basalt teapot has raised classical sprig decoration. It was made in England in the first quarter of the 1900s and measures 3.5 inches high and 6.25 inches from handle to spout. On the underside are the incised marks WEDGWOOD, 42, 10, SW.

Typical of an enormous number of 18th and 19th century teapots from all around the globe, metal spouts were attached to replace damaged ones, or to insure that undamaged spouts would remain so. Many were made of tin but some, such as this, were made of silver.

Sadly, the knob on the lid broke off during shipping. Of course I could just glue it back on but I think I’d rather see a silver replacement to match the spout in its place.

This identical teapot has its original spout.

Photo courtesy of eBay

Tags:basalt, English, metal spout, pottery, Wedgwood
Posted in teapot | No Comments »

Blue & white transferware dish, c.1830

Sunday, December 17th, 2017

This serving dish was made in England by Wedgwood, c.1830. It is decorated with a blue transfer scene depicting buildings, ships, trees, and overscaled flowers along the border. On the underside is the stamped mark “WEDGWOOD’S STONE CHINA”. It measures 9 inches square.

Well over 100 years ago when this dish broke in half, it was brought to a “china mender” who repaired it using 12 metal staples, aka rivets. Originally it had a cover but I am guessing that when it took a tumble the lid was broken beyond repair. But at least the more functional piece survived and thanks to the handiwork of a 19th century restorer, this dish can still be used today.

This covered dish of similar form and decoration still has its original cover.

Photo courtesy of eBay

Tags:blue & white, English, staples/rivets, Wedgwood
Posted in bowl/dish | 1 Comment »

Wedgwood drabware teapot, c.1830

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Egyptian-shaped jasperware teapot with “drab” colored body and white relief overlay decoration of grapes and vines, made in England by Wedgwood in the first quarter of the 19th century. Josiah Wedgwood founded the British pottery firm in 1795 and it has grown to become one of the most famous names associated with pottery.

Teapot measures 4-3/4″ high and is 10″ wide.

The replaced lid and spout tip with engraved grape leaf & vine decoration are so elaborate and well executed that I initially thought they were original to the teapot. The silver plated knob is in the spirit of the original.

Stamped “WEDGWOOD” with incised mark on the underside.

This child’s tea set includes a teapot with a miniature version of my larger teapot, showing its original lid and spout.

Photo courtesy of WorthPoint

Tags:English, metal lid, metal spout, pottery, Wedgwood
Posted in teapot | No Comments »

“Liverpool Birds” tea cups, c.1775

Monday, April 19th, 2010

This pair of lightweight creamware tea cups, each measuring 2-5/8″ tall, has orange transfer decoration with the “Liverpool Birds” pattern

These were most likely made in Wedgwood, England

When the handle of the cup on the right broke in three places, metal cleats were attached on either side of the cracks and painted to mask the repair

The cup on the left has metal staples holding the cracks stable and were also painted to match the body of the cup

Tags:creamware, English, staples/rivets, Wedgwood
Posted in cup/saucer | 2 Comments »

Spode hunting scene jug, c.1830

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

This small Copeland Spode pottery jug with white relief figures was made in Stoke-Upon-Trent, England.

The fox hunt, a popular image on ceramics in the 19th century, was based on an original Wedgwood design.

Jug measures 3-1/2″ tall.

A typical metal replacement handle, with tin bands along the top and bottom, secures the handle to the jug.

An identical jug can be seen in this photo (top row second from the right) from The Old China Book, first published in 1903.

This close up of the photo above shows what the original handle looked like.

Tags:English, metal handle, pottery, Wedgwood
Posted in jug | Comments Closed

Wedgwood “S.Y.P.” teapot, c.1909

Friday, March 19th, 2010

A tilting teapot invented in 1905 by the Earl of Dundonald from Scotland and coined “Simple…Yet Perfect”. The unique design allows the tea to brew in the built-in infuser shelf as the pot lays on its back, tilts halfway up to drain the hot water from the infuser, then sits upright, ready to pour. Teapot measures 5.75 inches high, 6 inches wide.

The replacement lid is made of Britannia metal (aka britannium), a composite made up of 93% tin, 5% antimony & 2% copper.

The ornately decorated bottom is visible when in use.

An identical teapot with its original lid, seen tilted.

Photo courtesy of Southworks Antiques

Tags:English, metal lid, porcelain, transferware, Wedgwood
Posted in teapot | 3 Comments »

Dudson jasperware jug, c.1870

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

A large jasperware water jug with sprigged decoration, made by potter Richard Dudson in Stoke-on-Trent, England in the mid-nineteenth century. Jug stands 7-3/4″ tall.

Dudson ceramics pieces are often mistaken for the work of rival potter Josiah Wedgwood, which are similar in form, decoration and color.

The broken handle was replaced over one hundred years ago by a massive pewter handle & support straps, masking much of the sprigged cherubs decoration.