Wedgwood 18thC Jasperware Medallion Edward Bourne by William Hackwood c1778

Discover a rare and historically important piece of early Wedgwood: an original late 18th-century Jasperware portrait medallion depicting Edward Bourne, Wedgwood’s renowned bricklayer at Etruria. This finely modelled medallion, in classic Wedgwood blue and white, is attributed to c.1778 and signed by master modeller William Hackwood in 1779, making it a superb example of early English neo-classical design and a highly desirable collector’s piece.

Rendered in the iconic solid blue Jasperware with crisp white relief, the medallion presents a beautifully detailed profile portrait of Edward Bourne. Hackwood’s modelling is exceptionally sharp, with delicate facial features, finely defined hair and a refined classical silhouette that exemplifies the quality of Wedgwood’s late 18th-century production. The reverse is inscribed with Bourne’s name and bears the Wedgwood mark, confirming authenticity and period manufacture.

This medallion is not only an object of aesthetic beauty but also an important document of Wedgwood’s industrial and artistic history. Edward Bourne played a key role at the Etruria factory, and portrait medallions such as this were produced in very limited numbers, often for presentation or to commemorate key figures in the Wedgwood story. Surviving examples in such well-preserved condition are increasingly scarce on the open market.

Key Features:

• Authentic late 18th-century Wedgwood Jasperware portrait medallion
• Subject: Edward Bourne, Wedgwood’s bricklayer at Etruria, England
• Modelled and signed by William Hackwood, c.1779
• Classic Wedgwood blue ground with white relief portrait
• Inscribed on the reverse with name and Wedgwood mark
• Remarkably good condition for its age
• Rare example of early British neo-classical design and Wedgwood history

The condition of this medallion is particularly impressive given its age. The Jasperware body is sound, with no significant damage to the relief and no obvious structural issues on the front or reverse. Any minor age-related wear is entirely consistent with an 18th-century piece and does not detract from its display quality. The relief remains crisp and clean, allowing the modelling to be fully appreciated under natural or cabinet lighting.

For collectors of antique Wedgwood, Georgian ceramics, and fine British pottery, this medallion offers a rare opportunity to acquire a documented, named portrait from the formative years of the Etruria works. It sits comfortably alongside other early Jasperware plaques, cameos and medallions, and would be at home in a serious collection, a study of industrial history, or an elegant period interior. Its relatively compact format makes it ideal for framing, cabinet display, or inclusion in a curated grouping of 18th-century decorative arts.

This piece also has strong appeal for those interested in the history of design and manufacture. Wedgwood’s Jasperware was revolutionary in the 1770s and 1780s, and Hackwood was one of the firm’s most talented modellers. Together they created a new visual language that combined classical taste with modern industrial techniques. A portrait medallion of an important workshop figure like Edward Bourne encapsulates that story in a single, highly collectable object.

Whether you are building a specialist Wedgwood collection, searching for a museum-quality example of Georgian Jasperware, or looking for a distinctive, historically rich decorative piece, this 18th-century medallion is a standout choice. Its combination of rarity, condition, subject matter and artistic quality makes it an exceptional acquisition and a fine investment in British ceramic history.

Please feel free to message with any questions or for additional information. Serious enquiries are very welcome. This is an outstanding and increasingly hard-to-find example of early Wedgwood Jasperware, ready to take pride of place in a discerning collection.