Thursday, March 10th, 2011: Wedgewood

Ladies Day at Wedgwood!!!! AWESOME!!! We dropped off the kids- Brian at nursery and Alexandra at Silverdale, then off we went to Wedgwood. It was great. We actually made Jasper Ware vases. Can’t wait to get them back in a few weeks. The learned that Wedgwood did not win the “China” competition (that was Josiah Spode that created the fine “bone” china that won the prize and perfected the flow through blue/blue under painting). It was great fun to learn all about how Stoke-on-Trent was part of the potteries and how Wedgwood helped the area develop. Also to remember that in addition to plates, & cups, other things are made of clay/pottery. Lots of everyday items: jars, pots, hot water bottles, chamber pots and toilets. Wedgwood did indeed produce the first 3 for the masses. We found a lovely tea set that was doll house size but it was 169 POUNDS (=$200) so that idea of buying one for Amy and Alexandra was out. Maybe I will find a cheap set elsewhere. We did see and buy some Jasperware Jewelry. Below is a picture of one of the artist’s making the jewelry with his mouth torch to heat up the metal while still leaving 2 hands free to work.