June 8, in the local newspaper in New South Wales this past weekend, another article appeared on this subject...see the update here. Thanks once again to Judy for her keen Wedgwood eye and quick fingers on the keyboard!
Here is an ON THE SPOT report from our good friend Judy Jones who reports frequently on Wedgwood topics of interest. She and hubby Colin were in attendance this week at the festivities "down under" celebrating Piers, Lord Wedgwood's Australian visit to promote Wedgwood products to collectors across Australia. Thank you so much Judy for contributing your report on the presentations. Please click on the title of this post to go to illustrations of the Wedgwood items Judy describes ~ ENJOY!
Lord Wedgwood arrived in Australia on Saturday February 22 and hit the ground running. His first appearance was at the upmarket department Store in Sydney – David Jones – where he presented approximately 200 invited guests with the Wedgwood 250 special editions - a Panther Vase with magnificent engine turning and panther handles, a Three Graces plaque which was produced using the pate-sur-pate technique, 2 Portland Vases, the Renaissance Gold dinnerset, Satyr vase in bone china in a powder blue finish and gilding, the Offering to Peace plaque, bone china pieces decorated with Anthemions or palmettes, a magnificent replica of Josiah’s First Day’s Vase but in Saxon Blue, a black jasper Brainstone Vase, black basalt Mercury bust, a Bacchus and Panther Plaque also in black jasper, a special edition of 6 Frog Service plates and the Palladian Vase. This last piece is a combination of a crystal vase with “rouletting” and black jasper lid. Last but not least was the release of the all new Sydney Cove Medallion oval platter and mug. These were in big demand after Lord Wedgwood’s presentation and I believe stocks are almost exhausted. There are still pieces from the W250 collection released during last year available and these were only released in Australia. Champagne was served along with delicate sandwiches.
Whilst in Sydney Lord Wedgwood also spoke at several other events prior to leaving for Perth Western Australia, Toowoomba and Brisbane in Queensland, Melbourne in Victoria and back to Sydney for another 2 Launches on March 5 and 6.
The first was a designer rug collection which will knock any true Wedgwood-aholic off their collective feet. [Be sure to click MORE under Lord Wedgwood's image-mouse over the thumbnail photos to see the names of those shown, click for larger views of the photos] Superb and breathtaking are two metaphors which come to mind. These rugs are in 5 Wedgwood patterns and can be ordered in any Wedgwood colour and size is to suit the clients' requirements. We found them affordable considering the workmanship and materials. Designs are taken from The Sydney Cove Medallion, the Dancing Hours, Neo-Classicism, the new Renaissance Gold dinnerset and one where rouletting is sculpted in the pile. These can be ordered by contacting Designer Rugs at Edgecliff in Sydney.
Last but by no means least was the Official Launch of the Sydney Cove Medallion silver Coin and entre size bone china plate on March 6. This was held at The Museum of Sydney which is built on the site of the First Australian Government House. We were treated to the viewing of one of the original Sydney Cove Medallions of which there are 11 in existence. The last one in a private collection went to Auction about 5 years ago and the hammer price was $110,000AU. Once again the plate is from Wedgwood but designed here in Sydney. The silver Coin was designed and minted by Perth Mint in Western Australia. Another first for the Aussies. The night was balmy and once again champagnes and wines were free-flowing, along with delicious gourmet finger food. The Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney was in attendance as well as members of The Wedgwood Society of NSW, staff from Waterford Wedgwood Sydney and Museum and Mint representatives. Once again the buying was fast and furious and stocks were exhausted. More will be available from David Jones.
We are sure Lord Wedgwood will leave these shores tired but content at what a great job was done in enthusing us antipodeans.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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