Writing Box with Wedgwood Antislavery Medallion

Manufacturer: Josiah Wedgwood; Designer: Henry Webber; Modeler: William Hackwood; Wedgwood

1790

Medium: Rolled paper on wood with stoneware (jasper) medallion
Dimensions: 2 5/16 x 4 5/8 x 2 5/8 in. (5.87 x 11.75 x 6.67 cm)
Genre: Woodwork
Museum: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tags

England

About

The leading manufacturer of ceramics in Staffordshire, Josiah Wedgwood was also a founding member of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in England. In 1787 he directed his chief modeler, William Hackwood, to create a medallion depicting a kneeling African slave in chains. Adopted as the seal of the Society, the medallions were distributed free of charge to supporters of the abolitionist movement in Europe and America.