Large Wedgwood bicentenary vase designed 1930 by Louise Powell, issued c1950

Condition: Excellent condition, no chip cracks or restoration or significant wear.

This impressive piece was designed in 1930 for Wedgwood by Ada Louise Powell. who with her father Alfred Powell was one of the top decorators and designers for the company in the early 20th century.

About 50 of the original vases were made (see example in V & A Museum, accession number WE.16581-2014), but this vase bears the Wedgwood of Etruria (Barlaston) mark dating from about 1941, so it is not one of the original 50. It appears that some further examples were produced, probably c1950. We have seen one other example marked like this one.  

The vase commemorates the 200th year of the birth of Josiah Wedgwood. Stylised grape and vine designs are combined with lettering in a border around the rim.  The clay body used is an off-white earthenware which was known as Queens Ware, developed by Josiah Wedgwood himself from about 1759, after a request made by King George III's consort Queen Charlotte.  Queens Ware, through clever marketing by Wedgwood, established his reputation and was sold to royalty throughout the world, helping Wedgwood to build a huge manufacturing empire.  The piece is finished in a Moonstone glaze and the hand painted decoration is in platinum lustre, created by using metallic oxides and fired in a reducing kiln.  This also was a typical and famous method of decoration for Wedgwood.