With its latest collection, Wedgwood is telling the fabled Bacchus story across crystal and clay, the designs including Jasperware, sculptures and fine bone china tableware. And at the heart of it all, the eponymous Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility and festivity.
Classical Storytelling
The collection is inspired by the myth of The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne. This tale of love, abandonment and divine rescue sees Ariadne left behind on the island of Naxos by Theseus. Luckily, she is discovered by Bacchus and welcomed into his joyful celestial procession. This narrative, rich with symbolism and energy, is woven into the design language of the collection, from the vine motifs to the dynamic forms of the pieces themselves.
Exquisite Crystal Artistry
The centrepiece is the Bacchus Crystal Plaque, a rare, made-to-order work of art handcrafted in Ireland. It takes four skilled craftspeople 290 hours to produce this piece, utilising techniques such as blowing, sculpting and copper wheel engraving.
Mounted on its plinth, the plaque captures the spirit of Bacchus in sophisticated style.
“This sculptural piece represents a bridge between past and present. It symbolises the fusion of classical mythology with modern elegance, a celebration of craft and creativity,” said Wedgwood design lead April Sargant.
“With this plaque, we are reminded that luxury craftsmanship is not just about desirability but about the artistry and inspiration that transcend time.”
Bacchus & Wedgwood – A Rich History
Bacchus and Bacchanalian motifs have informed Wedgwood designs since the late 18th century. These pieces include plaques, busts, figurines and – perhaps most famously – the Borghese vase relief crafted by John De Vaere in 1790.
The earliest designs often utilised black basalt, including intaglio cameos, and statement jugs, such as Sacred to Bacchus (1778-1780).
There is also a legacy of plaque design celebrating Bacchus, including an oval white Jasperware with black dip and white applied bas-relief piece (c. 1789-1800) designed by Lady Diana Beauclerk, and The Birth of Bacchus, realised in green Jasper c. 1776 by Wedgwood’s chief modeller William Hackwood. Josiah Wedgwood wrote in February that year that this was the “largest piece of Jasper we have ever made”.
Honouring such a heritage, this contemporary expression of the Bacchus story – with its jubilant processions of satyrs, maenads, and mythical beasts – is today brought to life through exquisite crystal and Jasper craftsmanship, demonstrating a mastery of design across multiple media.
A Legacy of Innovation
Launching in the 250th year of Jasperware, the Bacchus Collection is a testament to Wedgwood’s enduring legacy of innovation, craft and artistry. Featuring limited editions, bold new colourways, made-to-order artworks and a quintessentially Wedgwood blend of heritage and modernity, Bacchus is a celebration of craft and storytelling.
