Mon 11/7 @ 6PM
Wedgewood-style pottery looks quaint and old-fashioned to us now, but once it was considered groundbreaking and trendy. Potter Josiah Wedgewood (1730-1795) was world-famous in his day, and owning his high-end work signaled wealth, while the less wealthy owned his “knock-offs,” a marketing trend used today by virtually every manufacturer of high-end products. In addition, he pioneered modern sales and marketing tactics such as illustrated catalogs, buy-one-get-one-free and money-back guarantees. And on top of THAT, he was a passionate abolitionist who created an anti-slavery medallion.
British journalist, historian and director of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London Tristam Hunt has written a book about Wedgewood’s life titled The Radical Potter: The Life and Times of Josiah Wedgwood, which was published last year. He’ll be speaking in a virtual streaming program through the Hudson Library and Historical Society. It’s free but you must register here.