294 Josiah Wedgwood CHAP. 



There are some critics who aver that the manufac- 

 turers of modern Staffordshire pottery turn out better 

 plaques and better vases than Wedgwood ever made. 

 No wonder ! Wedgwood turned out his best works about 

 a hundred years ago. It would be strange if, in the 

 course of the century which succeeded his death, the 

 Staffordshire potters had not made many excellent im- 

 provements in the manufacture of earthenware and 

 porcelain. But no doubt can be entertained that he was 

 the precursor of all that has since been accomplished. 

 He was the man who, by laborious efforts extending over 

 many years, introduced Greek and Etruscan Art into the 

 British potteries. He completely revolutionised the 

 character of the fabrics made in England up to the 

 period of his decease. Though his productions recall 

 Greek Art, they are not mere reproductions. He did 

 not revive classical forms in a servile spirit ; his style 

 is strikingly original. And because other manu- 

 facturers may have excelled him, through the course 

 of years, in the excellence of his works, shall we 

 deprive him of the honour of being the Pioneer and 

 Founder of the artistic productions of Burslem and 

 Etruria ? 



It was truthfully recorded on his tombstone that he 

 " converted a rude and inconsiderable Manufacture into 

 an elegant Art and an important part of National 

 Commerce." When Wedgwood was born at Burslem 

 there were about fifty potters, of whom several were 

 Wedgwoods; but the wares they made were all of a 



