Visit to the World of Wedgwood
14 July 2016
A booking form is available to download. PLEASE CLICK here.
The World of Wedgwood galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his family, and the company he founded 250 years ago.
The Wedgwood Factory is one of the longest-running production facilities in the world, and has been in constant operation since 1789. The Museum houses the vast and priceless collection of ceramics which were saved from being sold and dispersed across the world in 2014, with a fundraising campaign by the Art Fund in the same year. As a result of a £34 million redevelopment project, the existing museum became part of the World of Wedgwood which takes visitors behind the scenes of the headquarters in Barlaston. Situated on the sprawling 240-acre Wedgwood estate in the Potteries, the World of Wedgwood features a factory tour, museum, ceramic making, studio visits, tea rooms and a flagship store.
The Permanent Collection which is displayed chronologically from the 1700s to today, feature many important items from the company’s history, including the First Day’s Vases, thrown by Josiah Wedgwood on the first day of production, his cream-coloured earthenware later renamed Queen’s Ware after Queen Charlotte and his new invention called Jasper. There is a huge range of documentation, manuscripts, correspondence and equipment from the past, and paintings and artwork which include the Wedgwood family portrait by George Stubbs. Designs by Jasper Conran and Vera Wang are shown alongside examples from the Victorian period.
Itinerary
On arrival and after registration, we suggest visiting the The Dining Hall for an early light lunch before dispersing to commence the self-guided Tour of the Factory to see production processes and techniques, and see the skill, talent and knowledge that goes into every product – or maybe enjoy one of the finest collections of ceramics in the world and the story of Josiah Wedgwood in the Wedgwood Museum.
You can also visit the Museum Shop to perhaps purchase something from the bespoke range of Wedgwood products or the Wedgwood Flagship Store to see the latest ranges. There is also the Factory Outlet Shop for end-of-line and exclusive bargains, and a Wedgwood Tea Room for afternoon tea (with champagne £45.00), plus the Wedgwood Tea Emporium for an exclusive teaware gift range and an opportunity to taste an extensive range of tea blends.
At 4.00pm we will make our way to The Dining Hall (the original Barlaston worker’s canteen) for a cream scone with coffee or tea before our departure for home.
The cost is £30.00 per person which includes: return coach travel from St Annes, Fairhaven, Lytham, and Wesham; entry to the Factory and Museum, and refreshments before departure. A booking form is available to download. PLEASE CLICK here.
Caption: Kutani Crane by Wedgwood
