A touch of England

My English friend comes back to Phoenix after a ten day holiday in England and tells me of a special gift she has in store for me. She stops by my house for a while and places a sky blue box in my hands.
“It’s a Wedgwood,” she says grinning broadly and urges me to open it.
After fumbling through the delicate packaging, I hold up a blue ceramic clock piece the size of my hand.
“That’s a perfect Wedgwood blue,” exclaims my friend.
I also notice fine white carvings on the delicate ceramic and admire the workmanship.
“I’m holding a piece of England in my hands,” I think somewhat comforting myself about not being able to accompany my friend on her trip.
There are few things as English as Wedgwood. In fact, when it comes to experiencing a country, there is nothing like a piece of traditional handicraft.
Here are some facts about Wedgwood taken from their website:
• The Wedgwood company was founded by Josiah Wedgwood in May 1759. He’s also known as the ‘Father of English Potters.’
• The Wedgwood fine bone china is so strong that the makers have balanced a Rolls Royce and even a bus with 40 aboard on their coffee cups!
• A vase with decoration designed by the Prince of Monaco and manufactured by Wedgwood’s special skills department at Barlaston, Staffordshire, raised £400,000 at an auction for children’s charities in 2006.
• Wedgwood will celebrate 250 years of business in May 2009.

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