Majolica Mania
19th Century Majolica: It’s all About Fashion
The next lecture of the WSB will be, “19th Century Majolica: It’s All About Fashion” – the story of invention, industry, marketing and fashion in the 19th century, presented by Nicolaus Boston, ‘The Majolica Guru’, ceramics expert, author, curatorial advisor, and dealer. Nick will be joining us via video from London on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
The 19th century was the beginning, the blueprint for how we live today, and Majolica is a wonderful vehicle to discuss that blueprint. Wedgwood was amongst the top producers of Majolica and compared to others, was sophisticated, of the highest quality and the brightest of glazes. They were prepared to pay the services of top designers such as Christopher Dresser to insure ground breaking and unique majolica shapes.
Unlike most companies at the time, Wedgwood survived the downfall of “Majolica mania” and moved on successfully, relying on the tried and tested production of Jasperware and reinvention of ranges such a Fairyland Lustre. But overall Majolica was a truly 19th century pottery phenomenon in invention, industry, and marketing with plenty of whimsy and wonder, but most of all, just like today, Majolica was all about fashion.
This event will be opened to the public at no charge and the ZOOM link will be published a couple weeks in advance. If you are not a WSB member and would like to partake of all our meetings as well as receive the bi-monthly newsletters, click on the “Become a Member” tab above.
