Wedgwood china now in India

Adorning homes across the globe for hundreds of years, Wedgwood — England's famed china tableware is now here in India. Lord Wedgwood, descendent of Josiah Wedgwood I, 'the 18th century father of English pottery', is in the city for a reception tonight hosted by Anita Dev with Kunika and Rana Singh at their lifestyle store Mondo Casa. Talking about the growth, he says, “There has been a tremendous change in terms of the factory and the environment. However, you will see the heritage, in the way Wedgwood pieces are made, is still a part of us. It’s very exciting to be here in India and realising an opportunity to develop a business that has a potential for a long period of time. Much has changed naturally over a long period of time, but at the same time, the brand continues to be well established."

Wedgwood, has continued to, aside from their in-house designers, associate with contemporary designers like Vera Wang and Joseph Conran. “We are always looking for people of today who we feel fit into our design ethos and Vera Wang is one of those. If you look at some of the pieces, it’s quite a contemporary look but at the same time involves classical designs, so you can see where we are coming from. There has to be an element of heritage and background, but you can be creative at the same time,” he explains, adding that the key for them is to retain quality, definitive design and a craftsmanship element.

“Another project I’m very excited about is tea. Every pattern has some form of tea ware. We’re looking at putting together a complete package for the way we present a brand in tea. I hope to visit Darjeeling soon,” says Lord Wedgwood who has been honoured for helping North Staffordshire remain a centre for ceramics.

Kunika, co-founder of Mondo Casa adds, “Lord Wedgwood is a tremendous brand himself and for him being here gives it a totally different edge to promote the brand in India. Everybody today wants their home to look lovely.”

Seeing customers choose Wedgwood pieces is important and he adds, “It’s something they will live with for the rest of their lives. People enjoy the fact there is great heritage but also that we are still contemporary.”