Wedgwood exhibition brings 250 years of pottery treasures to Townsville

ABC NEWS (Australia)

For generations, wedgwood has been a household name. Now a trove of precious pottery has been shipped from England to north Queensland for an exclusive exhibition.

Transcript

00:00It's a brand with an enduring legacy.

00:05Since 1774, Wedgwood Dinnerware has graced the tables of English lords, barons and many Australians.

00:12Founder Josiah Wedgwood is known as the father of English pottery.

00:17He produced this kind of ware throughout the 19th century.

00:20Now, centuries of ceramics are being celebrated in the Sunshine State.

00:25170 precious pieces painstakingly packaged and shipped from the UK's Victoria and Albert Museum to Townsville.

00:34An exhibition of this calibre where people can see the making of Wedgwood ceramics over the last 250 years is a real big coup for us.

00:43Featuring rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, from the historic...

00:47One of the original anti-slavery medallions is in this shape.

00:52...to the colourful and creative.

00:54The quirkiest pieces, I think, include items like the lobster salad bowl.

00:59The Townsville City Council spent more than $300,000 to secure the exhibition, which is an Australian exclusive.

01:07It's hoped it'll attract visitors from across the country.

01:11Marie McClelland has fond memories of the heritage brand.

01:15If you were having a 21st or an 18th birthday or something important, it was always a piece of Wedgwood that was pretty exciting to receive.

01:23She has one of her own treasures on show in the exhibition.

01:27It was given to me by friends who cruised with me on the QE2, and it's a very special memento of that trip.

01:37The collection will be on display at the Perth Tucker Regional Gallery until August.

01:42Sure to inspire some to dust off their best china.

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