What Colour Is Wedgwood Blue?

ByScarlett Evans

Wedgwood blue refers to the distinctive pale blue-green color used on ceramics produced by Josiah Wedgwood’s pottery company beginning in the late 18th century. The development of Wedgwood blue marked an important breakthrough in the history of English pottery.

Josiah Wedgwood founded his pottery company in 1759 in Staffordshire, England. By the 1770s, he had perfected a cream-colored earthenware called Queen’s Ware that proved hugely popular. To further improve his wares, Wedgwood began experimenting with various pigments and additives, including cobalt oxide, which when added to glaze produces a pale blue-green color.

According to the Victoria & Albert Museum, Wedgwood debuted his new blue-green wares around 1773-1774 (https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/wedgwood-blue-and-white). The color, soon widely called “Wedgwood Blue,” represented a major innovation in English ceramics. Unlike traditional brown stoneware glazes, Wedgwood’s blue glaze complemented the Queen’s Ware bodies, allowing for perfectly coordinated tableware sets.

Wedgwood Blue became an immediate sensation and a staple of Wedgwood pottery for centuries to come. It was often characterized by a slightly mottled look with lighter and darker shades. The pale, icy color evoked Chinese blue-and-white porcelain which was hugely popular at the time. Yet Wedgwood Blue established its own unique aesthetic, representing the height of fashionable English neoclassical style.

image of the distinctive wedgwood blue color

Defining Wedgwood Blue

Wedgwood Blue is a specific shade of light blue that was first developed by the Wedgwood pottery company in England. The signature color was used on many of the company’s ceramic products and became an iconic color associated with fine English porcelain.

The precise color specifications for Wedgwood Blue are as follows:

The hex code and RGB values show that Wedgwood Blue is composed of medium levels of red and green mixed with higher levels of blue, creating a soft, cool-toned blue. The CMYK values indicate the amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black pigments needed to reproduce the color in print. Pantone 279 C is the closest matching commercial Pantone color.

Origins and History

Wedgwood blue was first developed in the 1770s by renowned potter Josiah Wedgwood. He was looking to create a refined blue-colored ware that would be fit for aristocracy and royalty. After much experimentation, Wedgwood hit upon a rich blue color that came to be known as “Wedgwood Blue.” The specific shade was achieved by adding cobalt oxide to the clay. Wedgwood blue became immensely fashionable among the British elite in the late 18th century.

In its early years, Wedgwood blue was primarily used on Wedgwood’s iconic Jasperware pottery. Jasperware features white porcelain cameo reliefs against a colored background. The most popular background color used was Wedgwood Blue, though other colors like sage green and lilac were also offered. Josiah Wedgwood received his first royal commission in 1765 from Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. This helped cement Wedgwood Blue’s association with royalty and prestige.

Over the next couple centuries, Wedgwood Blue remained an identifying color for the brand. It was featured across dinnerware patterns like Queensware and on decorative vases, plaques and jewelry. While the formula adjusted slightly over time, the iconic rich blue shade has endured. Today it continues to be a hallmark color for Wedgwood.

Composition and Manufacturing

Wedgwood blue is made using a finely powdered form of the mineral barium sulfate, also known as blanc fixe, which gives it its distinctive pale blue color. This ingredient is mixed with other components like clay, quartz, and feldspar to create a ceramic material called jasperware. According to the Wedgwood website, “Developed by late 1774, Jasperware comprised a dense white stoneware which accepted colours throughout the entire body.”

The way the signature Wedgwood blue color is applied during manufacturing is through a process called “dip glazing.” Once the jasperware vessels are shaped, they are dipped into a vat of liquid clay that has been tinted with cobalt oxide, a commonly used blue pigment. This coats the exterior of the piece with the pale blue finish. The items are then fired at extremely high temperatures in a kiln, causing the glaze to fuse permanently with the jasperware body. This gives Wedgwood blue pieces their distinctive look, with a colored exterior and white interior.

According to an article on the Wedgwood website, “It was long thought that the colour pigment Wedgwood used for his blue was smalt – crushed blue glass. However, analysis shows that in the most part Wedgwood used cobalt oxide, a commonly used blue pigment.” So while different pigments were experimented with, cobalt oxide became the standard for achieving the perfect shade of Wedgwood blue.

Usage and Applications

Wedgwood blue is most famously used on Wedgwood’s iconic Jasperware ceramics. Jasperware is made from an unglazed matte “biscuit” porcelain body that is decorated with white, on-glaze reliefs which are then dipped in various colored glazes like blue. The contrast between the white and blue is striking. Some of the most popular Jasperware pieces using Wedgwood blue glaze include vases, plaques, pitchers, and dinnerware like plates and mugs.

In addition to Jasperware, Wedgwood blue glaze has also been used across Wedgwood’s other dinnerware collections over the years. From pale blue accent stripes to deep blue glazed dinner plates, the color blue is ubiquitous in Wedgwood collections. Some examples include the Cornflower dinnerware pattern which combines pale blue flowers against a clean white bone china body, and the Oriental blue pattern which features rich, deep blue colors inspired by Chinese porcelain.

Beyond Wedgwood, Wedgwood blue has inspired many other companies to create their own pieces featuring a similar blue color. Famous examples include Royal Copenhagen’s Blue Fluted collection of dinnerware and accessories featuring light blue stripes and patterns. Spode also pays homage to Wedgwood with blue accent pieces in their Blue Italian and Woodland collections. The color remains perennially popular in dishes, mugs, and other ceramics across many brands.

Cultural Significance

Wedgwood blue has become deeply associated with British royalty and aristocracy over the centuries. In the late 18th century, Josiah Wedgwood began supplying pottery to Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. This royal patronage cemented Wedgwood as the potter of choice for the upper classes in Britain.[1]

Owning pieces in Wedgwood blue became a status symbol among the elites. It represented tradition, heritage, and refinement. The color itself was seen as sophisticated and elegant. To this day, the British royal family frequently uses Wedgwood blue pieces for state dinners and events at Buckingham Palace.[1]

Beyond Britain, Wedgwood blue has been featured prominently in movies, TV shows, and other media over the decades. It evokes an aura of old-world charm and classic style. Shows like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton have spotlighted the color’s rich cultural associations by using Wedgwood blue pieces as props and set decor.[1]

Collectability and Value

Wedgwood blue items, especially older and vintage pieces, are highly collectible and can have significant value. This is due to the iconic status of the Wedgwood blue color and the rich history of the Wedgwood brand. According to 1stdibs, antique Wedgwood blue pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries can sell for thousands of dollars. The rarest and most unique pieces with intricate detailing or from special product lines tend to command the highest prices.

When assessing the value of Wedgwood blue items, collectors consider age, condition, rarity, and desirability. Pre-1950s pieces in pristine condition tend to be the most valuable. Damage like chipping, cracking, or repaired breaks can significantly decrease value. Limited edition items, custom orders, or pieces with unusual shapes or decorations also fetch higher prices. Items matching popular patterns like French Spray and multiple-piece sets in a single pattern are highly sought after.

On the secondary market, prices for Wedgwood blue vary greatly depending on the item. Vintage plates may sell for $50-100 each while rare vases can sell for over $1,000. Full tea or dinner sets often sell for several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on age, number of pieces, and condition. While still collectible, mass-produced items from the mid-late 20th century onward typically have lower values.

How to Identify Genuine Wedgwood Blue

There are several hallmarks to look for when identifying genuine Wedgwood blue pieces:

Check for the Wedgwood mark – this will usually be impressed, printed or painted onto the underside of the piece. According to A Guide to Wedgwood Pottery Markings, the mark often includes the word “Wedgwood” along with additional information like the pattern name, production date, symbol or code.

Examine the color – authentic Wedgwood blue has a distinct robin’s egg blue color. As noted by Martha Stewart, the color should be uniform with no uneven shades or discoloration.

Check the finish – genuine Wedgwood pieces always have a matte finish and never glossy, as pointed out on Its Our Vault. The white decorative accents are also always raised.

Look for signs of quality and handcrafting in the molding, decorative reliefs, and painting. Many fakes have low quality detailing.

Beware of modern reproductions – these are very common and often lack the Wedgwood mark. Checking for the hallmarks of authenticity is key.

Consult an expert if still uncertain – they can examine details and provide definitive authentication.

Caring for and Maintaining Wedgwood Blue

Wedgwood pieces require some special care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for properly cleaning, storing, and repairing items made with Wedgwood blue:

For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that could damage the finish. Rinse thoroughly after washing and dry immediately with a soft cloth [1]. You can use a soft brush or toothbrush for any stained or dirty areas.

Do not put Wedgwood pieces in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven. The high heat can damage the finish over time. Hand washing is recommended [2].

For storage, avoid exposing items to rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Store pieces away from direct sunlight which can cause fading. Use felt pads under heavier objects to prevent scratches.

If a piece chips or cracks, professional restoration services can often repair the damage. Reputable services can match the original glazes and finishes. Repairs done properly are very difficult to detect.

With proper care and maintenance, Wedgwood blue items can last for generations while retaining their beauty and value.

Future Outlook

Wedgwood blue continues to be highly popular today, appearing in home decor, fashion, media, and other areas. According to Houzz, Wedgwood blue is making a major comeback in home interior design, as people gravitate towards this timeless, elegant shade. The popularity of period TV shows like Bridgerton has also sparked new interest in Wedgwood blue and its historical associations.

Wedgwood blue’s versatility allows it to evolve with changing styles and trends. It has moved from traditional applications like fine china to more modern uses in home accessories, clothing, and tech products. While the core color remains constant, new textures, patterns, and combinations arise. We may see more daring uses of Wedgwood blue alongside bolder accent shades like yellow. However, the inherent sophistication and evocative heritage of this blue ensures its iconic status for years to come.

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