When was Josiah Wedgwood born and where did he grow up?
Josiah Wedgwood was born on the 12th of July 1730 in Burslem. He grew up in a family of potters near St John's parish church.
Questions about Josiah Wedgwood
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did smallpox affect Josiah Wedgwood's career as a potter?
Smallpox damaged his right knee when he was nearly twelve years old. The injury eventually forced him to stop throwing pots entirely due to pain.
What famous pottery line did Queen Charlotte name for Josiah Wedgwood?
Queen Charlotte named the creamware line Queen's Ware after receiving samples from Josiah Wedgwood. This royal association helped make the cheaper porcelain equivalent hugely popular.
Why is the Josiah Wedgwood anti-slavery medallion considered historically significant?
The BBC called it the most famous image of a black person in all 18th-century art. Mass-produced cameos depicting the seal were widely distributed to promote justice and freedom.
Who are the notable descendants of Josiah Wedgwood mentioned in the text?
His eldest daughter Susannah married Robert Darwin becoming the mother of English naturalist Charles Darwin. Thomas Wedgwood also died in 1805 as a pioneer photographer.