Genre:

Regular Feature, Essay

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

E B, pseud.  [Edwin Buckman]

Subjects:

Manufactories, Industry, Skill, Endeavour, Morality

    Begins with a short account of English and European pottery, and the ancestry of the main subject of the article, Josiah Wedgwood. Describes Wedgwood's early life, his education, apprenticeship and the establishment of his celebrated firm. Notes how Wedgwood worked hard in the study of chemicals and new apparatus to improve the quality of cream-coloured ware. Also emphasises that his industry was 'incessant', that he loved truth 'in everything, great or small', that he was always 'modest and kind', and that 'His failures were stepping-stones to triumphs'. (165) The illustrations show Wedgwood as a middle-aged man, the young Wedgwood 'at the bench'.