The Ceramic Art Of Great Britain - 2 Volume Set
By Llewellynn Jewitt
Published by Virtue And Co Limited: London 1878 1st Edition
COMPLETE 2 VOLUME SET
"First published in 1878, The Ceramic Art of Great Britain by Llewellynn Jewitt remains one of the foundational works on British pottery and porcelain. Spanning two volumes, this monumental study traces the history, development, and artistry of ceramic manufacture from the earliest times to the late Victorian era. Jewitt, a respected antiquary and editor of The Art Journal, provides a richly detailed account of major factories such as Wedgwood, Worcester, Derby, Chelsea, and Spode, alongside lesser-known regional potteries. His narrative is supported by hundreds of examples, tracing stylistic evolution, technical innovations, and the influence of social and industrial change on ceramic production.
Lavishly produced by Virtue & Co. Limited of London, this first edition combines scholarly depth with aesthetic presentation, featuring numerous engravings that illustrate notable wares, marks, and factory scenes. Jewitt's meticulous research, based on direct examination of collections and correspondence with potters and collectors, makes these volumes an enduring reference for the serious student of British decorative arts. Beyond cataloguing objects, the author captures the human and artistic spirit behind the craft, portraying pottery as both industry and art form.
This complete two-volume 1878 first edition is a cornerstone of ceramic history and Victorian art scholarship. It will appeal to collectors of fine reference works, historians of decorative arts, and connoisseurs of British pottery seeking an authoritative and beautifully executed 19th-century study."
General wear and fading to covers with some damage to outer spine as shown. Inside hinges split with covers holding strong and no loose pages. No inscriptions. The odd age spot and small page tear present with the vast majority of both books in good condition. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.