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Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Ware

Josiah Wedgwood was an innovative potter who established the Wedgwood company in 1759, in Staffordshire, England. The Wedgwood company became renowned for its high-quality ceramics, including jasperware, basalt, and creamware. Wedgwood's commitment to quality and innovation set the foundation for the company’s long-standing success.

One of the most influential designers of Wedgwood lustre ware was Daisy Makeig-Jones.

Daisy, (Susannah Margaretta) was born on the 1^st of December 1881, in Wath-upon-Dearne, Yorkshire, England, into a family with artistic inclinations, Daisy was educated at the Torquay School of Art, where she developed her skills in painting and design.

In 1909 Daisy joined Wedgwood, initially working as an apprentice painter under the guidance of John Goodwin.

Daisy quickly progressed through the ranks and by 1914, she had risen to the position of designer, where she began to create the fantastical Fairyland Lustre ware that would make her famous. 

Influenced by fairy tales, mythology, and her imagination, Daisy created vibrant, fantastical designs that featured fairies, goblins, woodland scenes, and other mythical creatures.

Her designs often utilised rich, iridescent glazes and bold colours, making the pieces stand out with a magical, almost unearthly quality. This unique approach was a departure from the more traditional styles of Wedgwood pottery at the time.

Introduced in 1915, Fairyland Lustre ware quickly gained popularity, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. It was highly sought after by collectors and admirers of fine ceramics.

Lustre Ware Production

The production of Wedgwood lustre ware involved several complex steps:

Glazing: The pieces were first glazed with a metallic oxide.

Firing: They were then fired at a high temperature to fuse the glaze to the ceramic body.

Decoration: Intricate designs were often added, sometimes using transfer printing or hand-painting techniques.

Second Glazing: A second layer of transparent glaze was often applied, giving the final piece its characteristic lustrous sheen.

Due to the economic downturn of the 1930s, interest and demand for Fairyland lustre ware declined as tastes shifted and World War II impacted on production and materials. Daisy Makeig-Jones left Wedgwood in 1931, reportedly under pressure due to the declining sales and her difficult relationship with some colleagues.  Daisy’s work remains highly regarded and is considered a significant contribution to ceramic art.

Daisy retired to London and lived a relatively quiet life until her death on the 18^th of May 1945.

Today, Wedgwood lustre ware, and particularly the pieces designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones, are highly sought after by collectors. The Fairyland Lustre series, in particular, commands high prices at auctions and is featured in major museum collections.

Wedgwood continues to be a respected name in ceramics, and its historical lustre ware remains a testament to the company's innovation and artistic excellence.