A few weeks ago Terri (from Hello, Terri Lowe) decided that I have not experienced true Englishness unless I’ve seen the World of Wedgwood. There really is something very special about the sky blue Jasperware, the ornate vases with beautiful detailed cameos & the whole wonderful Christmas tale of Mr Chisholm. And so the day in one of Stoke on Trent’s hidden treasures began.
☕ The story of Wedgwood
This part of Staffordshire is particularly famous for everything pottery. Plates of all shapes & sizes, mugs for tiny coffees and larger than life soups, even Christmas decorations made out of thinner than air bone china. Wedgwood potteries started in 1759 when Josiah Wedgwood started trading as an independent potter in Burslem. Fast forward a few centuries and Josiah Wedgwood’s heritage has turned into a pottery empire selling their pieces across the globe from the Royal family to the furthest peninsulas of Australia and everywhere in between.
☕ Experience the World of Wedgwood
The pottery factory in Barlaston now produces all Wedgwood pieces – designed by hands of local craftsmen with the most incredible attention to detail (I saw them paint flowers and throw vases and man, it’s a hell of a job!). You can now experience the World of Wedgwood for yourself – they have a series of various tours and experiences available to everyone. From throwing your own pot to designing a plate and touring the factory, you will be able to discover everything about the wonderful Wedgwood tale. You can follow the wonderful, wonderful story of Mr Chisholm & his cat Walter throughout the intricately decorated tearooms and perhaps even have an Afternoon Tea there (damn delicious!).
Find out which experience is for your here – I say all of them because I had the time of my life!
? I was kindly invited by Wedgwood to take the tour, design a plate & throw a bowl (thank you!) however the incredibly poor pottery skills are my very own.