JW Anderson and Wedgwood Launch Second Greek-Inspired Ceramic Collection

JW Anderson and Wedgwood have launched Volume II, the second iteration of their creative collaboration, which expands upon their initial exploration of Greek-inspired Jasperware. This new collection draws direct inspiration from fifth-century Greek mugs that are part of Jonathan Anderson's personal ceramics collection, blending ancient aesthetics with contemporary design.

Each piece in Volume II is meticulously handcrafted from Wedgwood's signature Jasper stoneware at their facility in Barlaston, England. This process serves as a physical link between modern imaginative design principles and long-standing historical craftsmanship. The collection features four distinct tonal pairings, each designed to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and landscape. These pairings utilize matte finishes and ribbed surfaces to enhance the sculptural qualities of the mugs. The color combinations include Mercury Blue and Jasper Blue, referencing historical Wedgwood colors like Portland and Jasper; Dark Brown and Terracotta, which evoke the fundamental character of clay; and Marsh Green and Sage Green, inspired by the natural environment surrounding Wedgwood's Barlaston home. A special Shadow Grey and Meadow Green pairing is exclusively available at Harrods.

In contrast to the color palettes of the first collection, Volume II's hues are more deeply rooted in tonal contrasts and colors derived from natural landscapes. The mugs are constructed from matte, biscuit-finished Jasper stoneware. Their ribbed surfaces are achieved through an engine-turning technique, a method that Wedgwood adapted for ceramics in 1763. This technique imparts a tactile, almost architectural rhythm to the otherwise minimalist forms of the mugs. The handcrafted nature of these mugs by Wedgwood artisans in Barlaston underscores the ongoing connection between centuries-old manufacturing techniques and Anderson's contemporary approach to collecting and reinterpreting historical artifacts.

The collaboration between JW Anderson, a renowned Irish fashion designer known for his avant-garde approach, and Wedgwood, a historic British ceramics manufacturer founded in 1759, aims to bridge the worlds of fashion and heritage craft. The first collection, which debuted in 2022, explored unproduced designs by Lucie Rie, a prominent 20th-century studio potter. Volume II continues this dialogue by reinterpreting ancient ceramic forms through a modern lens. The mugs are priced at £300 GBP, approximately $401 USD, reflecting the artisanal quality and heritage associated with both brands. The collection is available through select retailers and directly from Wedgwood and JW Anderson's online stores.