wood family

English - English

Definition of wood family in English English dictionary: English family of Staffordshire potters, a major force in the development of Staffordshire wares from peasant pottery to an organized industry. Its most prominent members were Ralph Wood (1715-72), his brother Aaron (1717-85), and his son Ralph, Jr. (1748-95). Ralph, Jr., was related through his mother to Josiah Wedgwood, and the two names were often linked professionally. The elder Ralph became famous for his extremely well-modeled figures with coloured glazes, and he is credited with introducing the Toby mug. Ralph, Jr., produced a variety of figures, colouring them with enamel rather than glazes, and supplied some of them to Wedgwood. Aaron's son William (1746-1808) was employed as a modeler by Wedgwood. His brilliant brother Enoch (1759-1840) apprenticed with Wedgwood but by 1783 was established as an independent potter in partnership with his cousin Ralph, Jr. In 1818 he continued his firm as Enoch Wood & Sons. Much of his earthenware was exported to the U.S. The firm closed in 1846. See also Staffordshire figure

wood family