For some, dinnerware is just a functional necessity, a means to serve and enjoy food. But for others, it turns everyday dining into a memorable activity and serves as a blank canvas to fill with scrumptious dishes and mouth-watering flavours.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to prioritise one over the other for a truly enjoyable experience – you can have the best of both worlds with an elegant Wedgwood tableware set.
Brief Overview of Wedgwood Tableware
The brand’s story can be traced back to 1759 when founder Josiah Wedgwood I started his independent pottery business in Burslem, England. His pioneering spirit, proactive business policy and innovative approach to pushing conventional boundaries in terms of design and creativity propelled his business to new heights, and he’s remembered as the ‘Father of English Potters’ to this day.
He used several effective sales techniques that are still relevant today, including a money-back guarantee, free delivery, celebrity endorsements, illustrated product catalogues and direct mail. These strategies helped him reach a wider audience and gain brand recognition over the years, resulting in increased sales and greater customer loyalty.
One of his greatest inventions – the Jasperware collection – features unglazed vitreous stoneware in three or more colour combinations, including blue, lilac, green, yellow, black or white. He applied both classical and contemporary motifs to these colourful bases to create authentic, lovingly handmade and uniquely charming pieces.
Wegwood’s long-lasting appeal quickly caught the eye of the Royal Family, starting with Queen Charlotte who ordered a set of cream-coloured earthenware. Since then, his creations have continuously graced the homes of British monarchs, rightfully earning him the title of ‘Potter to Her Majesty’.
Since 1940, the company’s factory in Barlaston, England combines traditional throwing, modelling and decorating techniques with modern technological advancements. They reintroduce ancient skills to newer generations through apprenticeship programs and adapt existing strategies to accommodate the changing consumer demands and growing business needs.
Signature Wedgwood Tableware Features
With over two centuries of tradition, craftsmanship and attention to detail, the brand has developed several signature design elements that immediately catch the eye of potential customers and lifelong fans.
Advanced Crafting Techniques
The production process begins with a revolving mould that shapes a bat of clay into the plate’s front portion. The brand’s artisans use conjunctive plates to form the back part of the plate while removing excess clay in the process.
Once moulding is complete, they remove seam marks and uneven surfaces with specialised sponges. The plate’s surface is further smoothed down by hand to ensure silky textures and minimal errors.
Next, the tableware undergoes a two-step firing process, coupled with a glazing stage in between to maximise shine. This is where all-white pieces end their manufacturing journey, whereas other, more decorative items move on to the decorating phase.
Decorative Plate Designs
You don’t have to take a closer look at a Wedgwood tableware set to notice the delicate lines, intricate detailing and stunning colour palettes. The brand’s skilled artisans require 36 hours to complete each piece of fine bone china, with meticulous attention to detail and an undeniable eye for beauty.
The signature design motifs can range from delicate, nature-inspired floral patterns to historical influences and cultural symbols. This results in expertly crafted, lovingly made and instantly recognizable tableware pieces to adorn your current setup.
Most designs are carefully handcrafted while others rely on lithography techniques, which involve placing litho paper over the tableware and carefully transferring the design. Both options deliver crisp lines, stunning details and vibrant patterns.
Precise Raising and Enamelling
Raising refers to using a small, rounded tool to create raised design elements before enamelling the surface and giving it a glossy finish. This process results in a striking contrast between matte and glossy finishes and gives Wedgwood dinnerware its signature luxurious feel.
How to Select Appropriate Wedgwood Tableware
Most tableware sets consist of traditional elements like dinner plates, side bowls, cups and saucers or mugs. But despite their seemingly universal application, there may be some signature differences that can make or break your dining experience.
Set Size
Consider how many items you’ll need in your dinnerware set based on your household or the number of guests you normally entertain in your home. The most popular sizes include 26, 16 and 4-piece sets, all containing varying numbers of the core elements.
Materials
The most common distinction is between bone and fine china sets – the former boasts a lightweight and delicate design while the latter features an elegant design with durable characteristics.
You could also consider stoneware tableware, which is made with a specialised glazing technique to add a layer of sheen and improve its durability. As such, it’s completely resistant to cracks and chips and, but may give way to external elements when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Finally, porcelain items consist of a silicone material known as kaolin. Its non-porous and extremely durable surface results in delightful and versatile creations – suitable for both formal and casual settings.
Design Details
Since Wedgwood tableware’s unique selling point is its striking design, you should pay attention to how it fits in with the rest of your décor. If you’re more into minimalist designs and would like to avoid visually crowded options, go for single-coloured sets with subtle detailing.
On the other hand, if you like making a statement with your décor and want your tableware to be the star of the show, choose designs with intricate patterns and vibrant hues.
Cleaning and Maintenance
While the visual appearance of tableware sets and how they fit in with your existing dinnerware pieces are at the core of the decision-making process, you should consider the practical aspects that come with owning these pieces.
Cleaning and maintenance requirements in particular are two influential factors that determine how easy it is for you to maintain their original appearance and keep them in mint condition for years to come.
Wedgwood offers a range of dishwasher-safe tableware sets for convenience, but some designs may require hand-washing to preserve their delicate details. This is mostly to avoid damaging the delicate surface or wiping away some of the carefully planned designs.
Additionally, you should follow any specific instructions for care and maintenance, such as avoiding abrasive cleansers or extreme temperature changes. This can help you prolong their lifespan and maintain optimal functionality.
