Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Imps on Bridge
Fairyland lustre is a range of bone china shapes and patterns manufactured by Wedgwood from 1915 to 1930.
Designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones, the pieces are highly decorated and fantastical.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Bowl Detail
Rich in detail and imagination, beautiful colours and gilding, appealing in form, Fairyland lustre makes stunning décor.
Whether used as a single highlight or in groups, it impacts any room setting with style, taste and appreciation of art and the continuity between past and present.
The variety of shapes and patterns make certain combinations exceptionally rare and attractive. The detail and fineness of decoration makes close up examination a journey of discovery and mounting delight.
For some the story of Daisy Makeig-Jones's personality has its own appeal: an eccentric, employed to bring fresh imaginative design to a market heavy with World War I and its aftermath, she was initially appreciated and commercial but later forced to retire in 1931.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Plate Detail
Daisy’s designs were complex to manufacture requiring up to six firings for some patterns.
Decoration was applied in stages by a team of women and girl painters. Fabulous new lustre glazes were only just past the experimental stages. Wastage was high and with frequent variations in design and finally with sales hit by the Great Depression, Fairyland Lustre production became non-viable.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Maker's marks
The distinctive Portland Vase mark and the words 'WEDGWOOD' and 'MADE IN ENGLAND' are to be found on nearly every piece, usually accompanied by a pattern number commencing with 'Z'.
Occasionally her monogram can be found hidden within the decoration.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Vase Detail
A number of key factors affect the value of a piece of Fairyland Lustre.
Value is highest for:
Restoration is important as it seriously affects value. When buying, always ask. A seller who is not sure either does not know or will not tell. A ‘good ring’ is a good indication but in no way a guarantee. Minor rubbing to the gilt and some light scratching does not affect value but a restored chip or hairline certainly will.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre bowl - well restored rim
Restoration is extremely important, as it seriously affects value.
In addition, restoration can be very difficult to detect. It is very often unspotted, even by experienced professionals in the trade. When buying, always ask. A seller who is not sure either does not know or will not tell. A ‘good ring’ is a good indication but in no way a guarantee. Very minor rubbing to the gilt and very light scratching does not hugely affect value but a restored chip or hairline certainly will.
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