Thomas Pitt, Lord Camelford 1775 - 1785

This Jasperware cameo of Thomas Pitt, Lord Camelford, was produced in England by Wedgwood and Bentley sometime between 1769 and 1780. The blue and white relief is typical of Josiah Wedgwood's work, which drew inspiration from ancient Roman cameos. The cameos became fashionable among the British elite, who saw themselves as heirs to the Roman Republic. But Wedgwood also innovated through industrialization, using molds to mass-produce these luxury items and broadening their appeal. Looking at this portrait, we can consider the sitter's social standing, and the cultural aspirations of the British elite during a period of great social and political change. Resources such as trade directories and subscription lists can give insights into the circulation and consumption of these kinds of objects, and offer a glimpse into the social and economic context in which art is made and consumed. The historian plays a vital role in uncovering these networks.