The Wedgwood Museum

George Stubbs - Subject

George Stubbs was born in Liverpool in 1724. He pursued not only a painting career, but also produced a most important anatomical work ‘The Anatomy of the Horse’ published in 1766. Before 1770 his scientific curiosity led him to the study of painting in enamel colours. Stubbs first came into contact with Wedgwood in his search for a different medium on which to try these colours. In 1775 his quest had come to the attention of Thomas Bentley, Wedgwood’s ornamental ware partner, and Wedgwood was initially most enthusiastic about the proposal to produce ceramic ‘tablets’, or plaques, for Stubbs to decorate. The firing of such large, flat ceramic objects necessitated a modification of the kilns at the factory, but eventually, as a direct result of this association, a considerable number ceramic plaques or ‘canvasses’ in a white terra cotta body were supplied by Wedgwood to Stubbs thus forming a ‘unique alliance’.Stubbs visited the Wedgwood family in 1780, staying for several months during the summer. During this time he produced various artistic works including the famous Wedgwood family portrait and the remarkable twin portraits of Wedgwood and his wife Sarah. These were painted in enamel colours on Wedgwood ceramic plaques – made especially by the factory for this purpose. In addition Stubbs modelled two bas reliefs – ‘The Frightened Horse’ and the companion piece ‘The Fall of Phaeton’. The strength and vigour of the modelling of both subjects by Stubbs make the two subjects amongst the most notable bas reliefs produced by the Wedgwood factory.