Special Interest Day: Wedgwood

The David Roche Foundation invites you to join us to celebrate the opening of Wedgwood: Master Potter to the Universe with a day of discussions on aspects that define this iconic British ceramic manufacturer.

9.30AM Morning tea on arrival 

9.55AM Welcome and housekeeping, Robert Reason, TDRF Museum Director
10.00AM John Adeney Josiah Wedgwood: An engineering innovator
Josiah Wedgwood introduced engine turned decoration to the Potteries in 1763. Engine turning proved so popular to eighteenth century audiences that by the time of Wedgwood's death in 1795 these increasingly complex patterns were adopted not just by other Staffordshire potteries, but further afield in France and even the United States. Josiah Wedgwood’s business acumen has long been recognised, but his innovative contribution to a uniquely English method of mechanical surface decoration should not be overlooked.
10.50AM Lee Bradshaw Reinventing the Classics 
The Neoclassical revival in the late 18th century was described at the time as 'vase madness'. The excavations at Herculaneum and Pompeii caused such a demand for classical objects that Josiah Wedgwood was able to make a fortune by supplying his own interpretation of vases and other objects from ancient Greece and Rome. His 'encaustic painted vases', in particular, were works of art in their own right.
11.40AM Colin Jones Wedgwood and Australia
Wedgwood and Australia have a unique connection going back to the first months of the founding of the colony in 1788. In this presentation, Colin Jones explores the bond and highlights some important pieces Wedgwood has made over the years recognising the connection plus other items which are readily available on the secondary market for collectors.

12.35–1.15PM Lunch

1.15PM Roger Elliott Millicent Taplin – Thoroughly Modern!
This presentation illustrates Millicent Taplin’s achievements at Wedgwood by following her career from 1917 to 1962. It includes her early hand-painted pieces; her highly prized ornamental wares designed by Alfred and Louise Powell; her more modern ornamental and table wares painted in the Handcraft Department; art deco designs on tea and coffee sets; lustre decoration for Keith Murray’s and Norman Wilson’s modern shapes; outstanding lithographic designs; and post-retirement designs. Changes within Wedgwood and their impact on Taplin’s role and career are explored, in the context of her contemporaries.
2.00PM Timothy Roberts Exhibition Tour: David Roche and Wedgwood
On this exhibition tour of Wedgwood: Master Potter to the Universe, TDRF Curator Timothy Roberts speaks to David Roche's collection of Wedgwood and other selected highlights within the exhibition.

2.45PM Concluding comments, Robert Reason and Timothy Roberts
3.00–4.00PM Wedgwood: Master Potter to the Universe available for viewing

DETAILS

When:
Saturday 23 September 2023 | 9.30AM - 4.00PM

Cost:
General $65 | TDRF Member $55

Limited parking available on-site.
Wheelchair accessible.

Link Image: Works of art by Wedgwood collected by David Roche AM. Photo: Jad Laraway.