Pedestal or base 1778 - 1788

Editor: Right now, we're looking at a "Pedestal or base" created between 1778 and 1788, made of ceramic by Josiah Wedgwood. The cool blue colour feels very calming, almost ethereal. The decorative lions give me a feeling of fanciful antiquity. What jumps out at you when you see this, our resident design aficionado? Curator: It’s funny you say “ethereal” because that blue – ‘Wedgwood Blue’ – was all the rage when folks wanted to play at being Greek or Roman gods, if you know what I mean. You know, neoclassicism in its full flamboyant glory. This piece… well, it whispers of grand houses, ladies in empire dresses, and endless cups of tea sipped while discussing philosophy. Notice how Wedgwood juxtaposes this industrial color with the refined sculptural griffins to invoke wealth. Do you feel this dichotomy between art and industry? Editor: Yes, definitely! It is strange that it evokes ancient Greece but looks almost mass produced. Curator: Exactly. That was part of Wedgwood's genius - blending craft with commerce, fantasy with function. He sold the dream of aristocracy to the rising middle class. Editor: It’s fascinating how this small ceramic object speaks volumes about that specific historical moment. Makes you wonder what objects today will tell future generations about us. Curator: Indeed! It’s a good reminder that even the most decorative things have layers of stories and meaning embedded within them, like rings on a wise old tree.