Rare Wedgwood sold on Auction

A rare Wedgwood vase in the 'Fairyland' design recently sold on auction in Johannesburg for the huge sum of ZAR 90 000. The vase is vary rare, and is highly sought after by collectors all over the world. Standing 59cm tall, it features dragons and fairies on a blue lustred background.

Manufactured by the Wedgwood factory from 1915 to 1929 after original designs by Daisy Makeig-Jones (1881-1945). Makeig-Jones’ novel designs were far more than ‘pretty patterns’. She prided herself on creating stories and hidden worlds with fantastical themes, using rich jewel-like colours and imaginative details. Her work appealed to the public possibly as they offered a form of escapism during the difficult post-war years.

Wedgwood stopped the ‘Fairyland’ lustre ware line in 1929 due to an apparent lack of interest. Today the enthusiasm for Makeig-Jones’ work is as strong as it ever was, possibly even more so than when the designs were first introduced in the 1920s. Interest in the artist’s work has been further enhanced by various Art Deco exhibitions featuring examples of her work including one at the Victoria and Albert Museum in September 1990.