Here is the recent POST SEMINAR PRESS RELEASE giving great information about the recent event in the Washington, DC area and how to join in the learning and fun of WIS at future Seminars. The Publicity Chairman is our great friend Adele Barnett, Founder and former President of the Wedgwood Society of Washington, DC.
May 2014
Wedgwood – A Capital Affair
For the 59th year, Wedgwood enthusiasts gathered for the annual international conference
in late April, and as always, it did not disappoint. Held in Alexandria, Virginia, just
across the river from the U.S. capital city, attendees from all over America, Canada and
Australia enjoyed the wide range of activities the Wedgwood International Seminar
had to offer. The word “seminar” might illicit images of an academic setting – but it’s
somewhat of a misnomer these days. Indeed, these conferences offer lectures from
curators, professors, and other scholars, but there are equally as many presented by
collectors and students of Wedgwood. And there is much more that comprises the fourday
program as well, all of which makes the event appealing to a wide audience.
The 2014 agenda provided talks on subjects that ranged from the ancient Etruscan
influence on Wedgwood to life at the potteries in the 18th century to Wedgwood wares at
the World’s Fair to lamps from oil to light bulbs, and more. Also among the highlights of
the seminars are tours of public and private collections on display. This year two
members opened their homes for viewing of spectacular Wedgwood. The range of wares
demonstrated the wide appeal and reach of Wedgwood – from hundreds of plaques
decorating walls, to curios holding thousands of jasper objects, to smalls comprised of
tobacciana, mugs, and decanters to royalty wares, tiles, and magnificent planters.
This year’s seminar also paid tribute to the late Lord Wedgwood who passed away early
in the year and who was a supporter of the WIS and other Wedgwood-related
organizations. There was sufficient time built in for visits to sites in Washington, Mount
Vernon, and other museums and landmarks. Also of particular note was the fabulous and
abundant food at the lunches, breaks and dinners at the host hotel. And lastly, to satisfy
that buying itch, each night four dealers offered for sale virtually every type of
Wedgwood imaginable from prices that attracted the novice, as well as lured the
seasoned collector.
What sets Wedgwood apart from most other collectibles and artifact categories is the vast
range of wares from 18th century to current production, from highly decorative to useful,
and from price points of under $5 to more than five–figures. There is truly something for
everyone, regardless of one’s tastes, area of interest, collecting sophistication, or budget.
And the WIS caters to all these groups.
In addition to learning about and viewing Wedgwood, attendees enjoy the interaction and reunions with
the friendly and inviting fellow-collectors, both old- and first-timers. The WIS extends an invitation to
join its organization. In addition to access to the seminar, the annual $35 membership fee ($50 for family)
covers the WIS Proceedings – an annual publication of all the lectures delivered that year. One also may
wish to explore the several regional Wedgwood societies who conduct meetings 6-12 times per year at
their local venues. Check the WIS website links page for the list by visiting:
www.wedgwoodinternationalseminar.org.
The 60th Wedgwood International Seminar will be held April 22-25, 2015, at the Birmingham (Alabama)
Museum of Art, which houses the largest collection of Wedgwood outside the UK. Again, check the WIS
site for more information as it unfolds. This seminar is shaping up to be one of the most memorable.
Wedgwood International Seminar
INCORPORATED
Officers
President
Cyndi Andrews, CA
First Vice President
Mickey D. Hightower, TX
Second Vice President
Ellis F. Rubin, PA
Treasurer
Michael T. Smith, CA
Recording Secretary
Anne Forschler-Tarrasch, AL
Board of Governors
Adele I. Barnett, VA
Alan Erickson, MO
Jeffrey Hoffman, MA
Lorraine C. Horn*, MA
Edward L. Knowles, MD
Paul H. Lauer, CT
Sandra Olubas, OH
Nancy Ramage, NY
Robert J. Reichner, IL
Gaye Blake Roberts, UK
Stuart Slavid, MA
*******
Director of Seminars
Mickey D. Hightower, TX
Proceedings Editor & Archivist
Anne Forschler-Tarrasch, AL
Public Relations Chairman
Adele I. Barnett, VA
Curatorial Consultant
Gaye Blake Roberts, UK
Webmaster
Alan Ericson, MO
Honorary Board
Daisy Wade Bridges*, NC
Earl L. Buckman*, TX
Frank Coleman, NC
Alvin Kanter, IL
Keith McLeod*, CAN
Muriel D. Polikoff*, PA
* Past President
