Decorative arts — 1783-1784
Medallion, portrait medallion
William Pitt the Younger became the youngest prime minister ever at the age of 24. He had only entered Parliament in 1781. This portrait medallion was probably made to commemorate this event or the Tory General Election victory of 1784. Pitt remained in office continuously until 1801, a period which saw the French Revolution, the start of the Napoleonic Wars and the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland. Pitt returned to office briefly in 1804 before his death in 1806.
The Wedgwood firm had showrooms in London and benefited greatly from the patronage of George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, for whom it produced the 'Queen's ware' range. This medallion is an example of Wedgwood's famous 'jasperware' which he invented in the 1770s.
- Category:
- Decorative arts
- Object ID:
- 30.114/2
- Object name:
- medallion, portrait medallion
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- Wedgwood, Josiah
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1783-1784
- Material:
ceramic, wood, paper, iron.
- Measurements/duration:
- H 153 mm, W 132 mm, D 41 mm, WT 234 g (framed)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.