Wedgwood 1959 Bicentenary Mug Victor Skellern Queen's Ware Black Print

Original 1959 Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Bicentenary Mug, designed by noted Wedgwood Art Director Victor Skellern to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Wedgwood company in 1759.

This is the documented plain black-print Queen's Ware version, featuring finely detailed scenes tracing important locations in Wedgwood history, surrounded by ivy, vine, strawberry and foliate decoration.

The three principal illustrated reserves depict:

• Birthplace of Josiah Wedgwood / Churchyard Works, Burslem
• Etruria – June 13th 1769 / Trent & Mersey Canal
• Barlaston 1939

The distinctive loop handle is also decorated with Skellern's stylised botanical motifs.

The underside carries the extensive original bicentenary inscription:

“This Mug Commemorates the 200th Anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons 1959”

together with the Wedgwood Bicentenary 1759–1959 device, Josiah Wedgwood's dates and a chronology of the Wedgwood family and factories.

Victor Skellern designed both the shape and decoration of the Bicentenary Mug. The design is documented in museum collections as having been produced in several treatments, including this plain black-print version.

DETAILS

• Maker: Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd
• Designer: Victor Skellern
• Date: 1959
• Occasion: Wedgwood 200th Bicentenary, 1759–1959
• Ware: Queen's Ware
• Material: Cream-coloured glazed earthenware
• Decoration: Black on-glaze printed decoration
• Colour: Cream / Black
• Country of manufacture: England
• Type: Commemorative mug
• Original vintage production

CONDITION

An unusually clean surviving example.

No chips, cracks, crazing, hairlines, scratches, scuffs or staining noted. Decoration remains sharp and detailed with excellent glaze and a remarkably clean interior. Very minor age/shelf marking only to the underside foot rim.

Securely packaged and tracked for safe delivery.

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