The Wedgwood Museum

The 20th century has witnessed various changes in fortune for the Wedgwood company. Conflicts such as the Boer War, and the two world wars took many of the key workers from the factory, and the loss of overseas orders created financial difficulties for the company. However the diversity of wares manufactured and the introduction in 1914 of lustre patterns, including the celebrated Fairyland lustre ranges of Daisy Makeig-Jones, were widely admired and once more brought financial stability.

1930 saw the bicentenary celebrations of Josiah I's birth, with an international competition for a new vase design. The winning piece, by Emmanuel Tjerne, heralded the company's move towards modern design with an emphasis on the art deco style.

In 1936 Josiah Wedgwood V took decisive action, especially considering the increasing problems of an old factory. Etruria was subject to subsidence caused by coal mining and increased pollution from the adjacent steel works. As a direct result of these difficulties he purchased the Barlaston estate and commenced plans to move the whole factory.

The new Barlaston factory was designed by Keith Murray and his partner CS White and was streamlined and modern in a green field setting. Production transferred to the new site during the summer of 1940, though the move of some departments was delayed due to the hostilities of World War Two.

The 1950s were a period of expansion and success with a modern, up-to-date works the company could compete easily in an expanding global market. Overseas offices were established and the London showrooms had re-opened in 1948.By 1953 the first three ‘Wedgwood Rooms' - company owned concessions within existing shops - had also opened.

In 1961 Josiah Wedgwood V relinquished his position of managing director becoming chairman, with Norman Wilson and Maitland Wright taking responsibility for the factory. In 1963 Arthur Bryan returned from America to become managing director, the first non-family member to hold the position. The 1960s were a period of great expansion, with the acquisition of several other ceramic companies into the Wedgwood Group. This figure grew eventually to 11 pottery works by the 1980s.

In 1986 Wedgwood and Waterford, the Irish glass company, merged starting a new chapter in the long-standing history of Wedgwood.