The Beeson collection was begun in 1946 and consists of about 1400 pieces. In 1975 the entire collection was donated to the Birmingham Museum of Art (Alabama). This book is a social history of the 18th century with descriptions of the wares and manufacturing techniques at the Wedgwood works.

Rising from modest beginnings Josiah became one of the wealthiest men in England, acquiring en route a wide knowledge of the arts, science, chemistry and physics. Always interested in new inventions, he was one of the many English artists who ushered in neoclassicism; he created Jasper ware to capture the pastel colours used by the architects Adam and James Wyatt, and instituted many innovations in the manufacture of both pottery and porcelain throughout his notable career. This volume contains virtually everything the aspiring collector needs to know about the vast range of wares and designs produced by Wedgwood.

The pottery industry in 18th-century England
Staffordshire pottery
Josiah Wedgwood
cream ware
the Frog Service of Catherine the Great of Russia
white terra-cotta stoneware
basalt
Etruscan ware
neoclassicism
Jasper ware
white stoneware
the Portland Vase
caneware
Wedgwood and the Egyptian revival
Rosso-Antico ware
drabware
pearl ware
luster decoration
Emile-Aubert Lessore.