THE WEDGWOODS. 



THE EAELT POTTEEIES OF STAFPOKDSHIRE. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. GRADUAL PROGRESS OF THE ART IN THE 



DISTRICT. THE CELTIC PERIOD. CINERARY URNS. 



DRINKING-CUPS. FOOD-VESSELS. INCENSE-CUPS. 



THE history of the important and truly beautiful art of " pot 

 making," so far as regards our own country, which has not 

 yet been written, must and will one day it is hoped ere 

 long form one of the most pleasing and instructive works 

 which can be produced. The deep and undivided research 

 of the patient antiquary, the graphic powers of the skilled 

 biographer, the thoughtful comparative experiences of the 

 collector, and the matured observations of the practised 

 manipulator, will need all to be united in the production of 

 such a work ; which, if properly carried out, cannot fail to 

 present a more vivid and more pleasingly instructive picture 

 of English industry and English art both allied and inde- 

 pendent' of each other than it has fallen to the lot of any 

 one as yet to attempt to depict. 



Extending uninterruptedly through several centuries from 

 a period long antecedent to historic times, down through 

 every change of race and of peoples to our own day followed 

 in one way or other in almost every district throughout the 

 length and breadth of the land gradually extending itself 



