Chatelaine c. late 18th century

This chatelaine was made by the Wedgwood Manufactory, and it's an object that really shows the company's brilliance at combining craft and industrial production. You see, Wedgwood was famous for its Jasperware, that distinctive unglazed stoneware, often blue with white relief decoration. Here, that material is used for a central medallion, ornamented with a classical figure. But instead of being set into a vase or a plaque, it’s been made into a fashionable accessory. A chatelaine was worn at the waist, suspending useful items like keys or sewing tools. This one is made of intricately worked metal, almost certainly by skilled silversmiths working in a workshop setting. The combination of the Wedgwood plaque with metalwork is interesting because it shows how different kinds of labor were brought together. The division of labor allowed Josiah Wedgwood to reach more markets. Ultimately, it’s a testament to the power of making. It reminds us that the best designs aren't just about looking good, they’re about understanding the social and economic context in which they’re created.