Collection Research volunteer Isabella has delved into the rich history of the Wedgwood ‘Apollo and the Muses’ vase, Object No. 87/841 from the Powerhouse collection. Designed by John Flaxman Jr. and produced by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons around 1795, this striking black basalt vase depicts Apollo, the god of light, music, and poetry, holding a lyre and surrounded by the Muses, goddesses of inspiration. The vase is modelled after the ancient Greek lebes gamicos, a vessel traditionally used in nuptial ceremonies.
Produced by the renowned pottery designer and manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood, this vase reflects the 18th-century revival of interest in classical antiquity that swept through Britain and Europe. Driven by a growing demand for neoclassical ceramics and replicas of ancient artifacts, Josiah Wedgwood developed black basalt stoneware in 1767 to replicate the appearance of ancient bronzes and Greco-Roman pottery. The design and figures on the vase were created by John Flaxman Jr., a prominent British sculptor and draftsman at the forefront of the neoclassical movement. Between 1775 and 1787, Flaxman frequently worked with Wedgwood to produce designs inspired by classical antiquity for the company’s decorative ceramics.
Wedgwood’s name remains synonymous with innovation and influence in the history of British ceramics and applied arts. After founding his company in 1759, he quickly became one of the most successful ceramic producers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Josiah Wedgwood’s commitment to expanding his craft through experimentation with glazing techniques, industrial manufacturing processes, and savvy marketing strategies played a key role in his company’s commercial and artistic success, establishing Wedgwood as a global leader in ceramics.
We thank Isabella for her insightful research on this significant piece, deepening our appreciation of its place in Wedgwood’s artistic and commercial legacy.
Research and story by volunteer Isabella. Blogpost by Karen Griffiths, (Volunteers Program Officer)