INSPIRED BY THE PAST | DESIGNED FOR TODAY
It’s been more than two centuries since the pioneering Josiah Wedgwood started inspiring people all over the world to decorate their tables with creativity and style. Quintessentially English and steeped in a rich, storied heritage, Wedgwood continues to be synonymous with exquisite craft, innovative design and timeless elegance.
One key to this creative approach is our ability to reach back into our archives and put a contemporary spin on classic forms. When you have a history as deep and rich as ours, you have an almost inexhaustible store of artistic heritage to use as inspiration. That said, you don’t want to cling to the past. The artistry comes in achieving the balance to produce classically inspired yet stirringly modern designs.
Which brings us to Renaissance.
RENAISSANCE – YESTERDAY
To really grasp Renaissance, you have to view it as more a grouping of classical motifs rather than one singular pattern. Each component is a key part of Wedgwood’s history.
The cameo, for instance, those swooping oval shapes, dates back to 1785, when Matthew Boulton designed scent bottles crafted in Jasper for Wedgwood. They are a Roman form, and typically depict important personages in profile or seminal historical scenes, much like a coin.
The other significant element is borrowings from the famous Florentine pattern. A favourite since its introduction in 1931, this design features a cavorting cornucopia of mystical creatures and fantastical flora.
RENAISSANCE – TODAY
This generation of Renaissance began in 2009, with three beautiful colourways: Gold, Red and Grey. In classic Wedgwood style, these pieces display an aesthetic that exquisitely balances classic and contemporary, the cameo and Florentine accents featured prominently.
The new Renaissance Accents extension is the latest evolution of this look. This exuberant aesthetic reworks and reimagines those classical elements to forge a fresh, modern interpretation that still remains steeped in historical authenticity.
For example, the ornate, detailed depictions of female forms found in classic Jasper pieces are a major inspiration for these accent pieces. These figures, going about their daily lives or taking part in ceremonial rites, portray an ineffable elegance that transcends their everyday surroundings.
Our designers channelled this spirit to capture their sophistication and charm, breathing bold new life into their enduring allure.
Each piece reflects the elite craft of Wedgwood, with the iconic silhouettes set in fine bone china and finished with luxurious 22-carat hand-lined detailing.
YOUR OWN PERSONAL RENAISSANCE
The colourways of the Renaissance collections are designed to interact and layer seamlessly. This means that, while you can present each colour alone as a standout highlight, there is also ample latitude for you to express your creativity by mixing and matching to curate your own collection.
START YOUR RENAISSANCE
Explore our Renaissance collections today and experience the superlative craft and artistry for yourself.
Renaissance Gold features a bold Wedgwood blue and gilded detailing of a laurel border.
Striking cameo patterns and inspiring Florentine accents create a mealtime backdrop that will feel far from ordinary.
Beautiful archive-inspired design with delicate gold detailing that adds instant luxury to any dinner table.