308 THE WEDGWOODS. 



in different collections, while the public have the oppor- 

 tunity of examining one in Mr. Mayer's magnificent museum 

 at Liverpool. The body used for this vase was black jasper, 

 a body used on but few othr occasions. The figures were 

 worked up and cut, to the utmost degree of sharpness and 

 finish, by the seal and gem engraver, and thus the beauty 

 of the original was well preserved. 



It may be useful to note, that the original moulds are 

 still in existence, and that " Portland Vases " from them are 

 still produced by the Messrs. Wedgwood, both with a black 

 and with a deep blue ground, and are much and deservedly 

 admired. 



The month following the sale of the Portland Vase, 

 Josiah Wedgwood was elected a Fellow of the Society of 

 Antiquaries, his election taking place on the 4th of May, 

 1786. He never, however, made any communication to the 

 Society, although he published an elaborate dissertation on 

 the Portland Vase, 



The following letter, addressed to Mr. Eden, who became 

 Lord Auckland, contains some very interesting" particulars 

 concerning Wedgwood's progress in copying the Portland 

 Vase, and of the difficulty he experienced in getting his 

 cameos modelled : 



"Etruria, 5th July, 1789. 



"Dear Sir, I had once flattered myself with the expectation 

 of Your Excellency's arriving in England so soon, as to prevent a 

 letter's finding you upon the Continent, but am now told from too 

 good authority, from the palace, that there is no probability of your 

 leaving Spain for some time. I was very sorry to hear this news, 

 and should have been much more so, if I had not been told at the 

 same time that Mrs. Eden's health was much mended. This cir- 

 cumstance will, I well know, make Your Excellency's stay less 

 irksome, and reconcile you to almost any hardships which the ser- 

 vice of your country may impose upon you. I hope and trust the 

 good news of Mrs. Eden's amendment will be confirmed, that we 

 shall soon have the pleasure to hear of her perfect recovery, and 

 that your friends in England will have the additional satisfaction of 

 welcoming you and your good family to your native country, much 

 sooner than you may now perhaps expect. I need not say what 



