The Wedgwood Museum

Eric Ravilious - Designer

Eric William Ravilious was born in west London and trained at the Eastbourne School of Art, winning a scholarship to the Royal College in 1922. He studied engraving, illustration, colour printing and mural painting. Ravilious was introduced to Tom Wedgwood in about 1935 by Lady Cecilia Sempill, and worked for the Wedgwood firm between 1936 and 1940. His first design to go into production was the commemorative mug originally produced for the Coronation of Edward VIII, and adapted for that of George VI in 1937.His work for Wedgwood not only included these designs for commemorative wares, but also incorporated patterns for dinner and tea ware, lemonade sets and nurseryware. Because of wartime restrictions on the production of decorated ware, many of his designs were not put into production in any quantities until the 1950s. In 1940, Ravilious was made an Official War Artist, but was lost on active service in 1942.His designs for Wedgwood included 'Afternoon Tea', engraved in 1937. 'Garden' designed about 1939 and put into production during the 1950s. 'Persephone' designed around 1938 and 'Travel' pattern, designed about 1937.