It was a huge success for Josiah Wedgwood when he introduced the Queen’s ware and in 1768 he again made history when he introduced into production the black stoneware. His first trials in making the black body begun in July 1766 before even moved to Etruria. By September 1767, his trials passed and already at the advanced stage and ready for production. Black Basalt was then mass produced and available in the market. “Black Basaltes” or Black Basalt as we know it, it is made from reddish brown clay which produced the black color after the firing process. This ceramic is superior in its appearance to the local ‘Egyptian Black’ wares produced in that time.
Manganese was added which makes the Black Basalt possess its rich dark color. It was used by Josiah in the production of exquisite ornamental wares such as vases, portrait medallions, plaques and even candlesticks. Black Basalt is mainly inspired by antique originals.
Black Basalt created a strong presence of inspiration for many potters in Europe and around the world. Encaustic designs were added to the surface of each piece with a brush and applied in different colors such as blue, green, pink and white which were more varied than simple reds and black. Wedgwood believed that the black basalt will be part of the history which is goes with the saying “Black is Sterling and will last forever”.
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