WEDGWOOD EXHIBITION

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 972, 15 May 1930, Page 8

WEDGWOOD EXHIBITION

MUSEUM CELEBRATES 81-CENTENARY ATTRACTIVE DISPLAY To commemorate the bi-centenary of Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795), a special exhibition of samples of the famous potter’s works is now being held at the Auckland Museum. The exhibition, which was opened yesterday by Mr. H. E. Vaile, president of the Auckland Institute and Museum, occupies five cases and forms an interesting and comprehensive display. The exhibition has been organised by the director, Mr. Gilbert Archey. with the help of Mr. W. J. Crowther, the well-known Auckland connoisseur, and has been made possible by the generosity of some 40 persons, who have lent samples of Wedgwood ware for this purpose. In a descriptive booklet issued Mr. Archey explains that Wedgwood found the potter’s art in England far behind that of the East. The common product was a comparatively soft earthenware, glazed in a primitive fashion, which made good decoration in colour almost impossible. He set himself first to improve methods in colouring and glazing, and then to emulate Continental potters in producing a harder and whiter body by the use of new materials and better methods. Remarkable success attended his efforts toward greater refinement in form and decoration. His association with the sculptor Flaxman resulted in some particularly good work and the achievement in the well-known “jasper” ware. PORTLAND VASE COPY A most interesting specimen is a black jasper tobacco-jar without a lid, formerly the property of William Wordsworth, and lent by Mrs. Arthur Goldie, a member of whose family purchased it at a sale of the poet’s effects after his death in 1850. There is also a v.ery old Wedgwood copy of the Portland Vase. This copy is the property of the museum. Also attracting considerable attention are two tall black ewers, designed by Flaxman, and representing “wine” and “water.” A satyr, holding a goat’s head by the horns, bestrides the neck of one, which is garlanded with vine leaves and grape bunches. The other bears a triton holding a dolphin’s head, and a garland of seaweed. The daintiest piece is a jasper plaque with six dancing maidens. The lightness of their robes is delicately suggested. In declaring the exhibition open, Mr. Vaile spoke in praise of Wedgwood as a man who rose from obscurity and in applying art. to industry evolved something new. He said it was hoped to form a permanent Wedgwood collection in the museum. Mr. Vaile sincerely thanked all those who had lent specimens for display. The exhibition will be open until the end of the month.