My First Visit to Ardmore

by Louise Irvine I first fell in love with Ardmore in 2008 at the National Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair in Sandton, Johannesburg. I was a regular visitor to South Africa, presenting British Art Pottery to South African collectors with antiques dealer Ed Pascoe. We knew immediately that American collectors

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Brilliant Glass from Brazil: Eduardo & Elizabeth Prado

We are delighted to feature the glass art of Eduardo and Elizabeth Prado at WMODA. This talented couple recently moved to the USA from their native Brazil where they were pioneers of the studio glass movement. They now share a studio in Fort Lauderdale and Eduardo works also at the

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Medusa

by Louise Irvine As Halloween approaches, we are exploring the legend of Medusa, the monstrous gorgon with a head of writhing snakes. She inspired a Wedgwood neo-classical plaque at WMODA as well as a scary mask by Helen Nottage. But why is she the Versace logo? In ancient Greek mythology,

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Shop WMODA – Josh Fradis

The WMODA Shop features unique décor and gifts made by talented artists in our community and further afield. This month’s featured artist is Josh Fradis, who makes decorative hearts and pumpkins in solid glass as well as useful jewelry trays in all the colors of the rainbow. Start your shopping

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The Art of Tea with Wedgwood

By Louise Irvine High tea or afternoon tea - which would you rather attend? Find out more as we explore Wedgwood’s contribution to this British social ritual in our charming Art of Tea exhibition. In the 18th century, tea was a luxury beverage from China affordable only to royalty and

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Poetry in Glass – Paul Stankard

By Louise Irvine In the last few months, many of us have sought solace in gardens but as summer draws to a close and flowers wilt and fade, we are fortunate to have many lasting memories encased in crystal at WMODA. Paul Stankard, the living master of flame-working, has been

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The Sport of Kings

By Louise Irvine Pour yourself a mint julep on September 5 in honor of the 146th Kentucky Derby which will take place on September 5, instead of the usual May date. The “Run for the Roses” has been described as “the fastest two minutes in sports” so once the race

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Who’s Who at WMODA – Claudia Bailey

Accidents do happen and when they impact pottery and porcelain it is good to have Claudia Bailey’s expertise. Claudia is a professional ceramics restorer and she has worked on WMODA projects for the last three years. She also volunteers to assist us with Collections Management projects and Saturday openings. Claudia

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The Maharaja Vase

by Louise Irvine If pots could talk what would they tell us? For over 30 years, I have been on the trail of the Maharaja vase. In a Highlights article in 2017, I posted A Tale of Two Vases featuring the colossal Doulton Faience vase, which was made for the

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The Sun Child

by Louise Irvine Museum curators around the world recently engaged in a "battle of the bottoms" on social media and the best behinds were featured in the British national press. The challenge inspired us to seek out some of our most captivating candidates in our porcelain figurine collection from the

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