Wedgwood enthusiasts from the U.S. and abroad will gather in Palm Springs, California, for the 58th Annual Wedgwood International Seminar (WIS). The line-up of lectures covers not only key Wedgwood artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, but also related art depicting the potteries of England, and more! The conference takes place May 1 to 4 at the Spa Resort Hotel & Casino, its host venue.
Participants will enjoy presentations from leading Wedgwood scholars, as well as from key collectors. Included will be: “Arnold Machin,” by Julian Wedgwood, the pottery’s family member from England; “19th Century Wedgwood Artists,” by Dr. Anne Forschler-Tarrasch, curator of decorative arts for the Birmingham Museum of Art; “Artists’ Imageries of the Potteries,” by Robert Wedgwood, president of the WSSC; “Thomas Windus’ Alternate View of the Portland Vase,” by Sandra Olubas, collector and dealer; “Wedgwood in New England” and “Artistry of Eric Ravilious,” both by Lorraine Horn, former president of WIS and WSB; and “Wedgwood Whiteware,” by Earl Buckman, past WIS president and dealer.
In addition, visits to three outstanding private collections at the homes of area Wedgwoodians along with tours of the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Living Desert preserve are on the program. Attendees will also have the convenience of purchasing Wedgwood wares from member dealers and the pleasure of meeting new ceramics enthusiasts and reuniting with fellow collectors.
The lectures, receptions, banquets, lunches, and tours are all inclusive under the modest registration fee. To obtain more information on the seminar, registration and the hotel, and to make your reservations, contact the director of seminars by email at: wismembers@aol.com.
The Wedgwood International Seminar, which first gathered in Philadelphia in 1956, has held its annual seminars in major cities in the USA, Canada, the UK, and elsewhere. These conferences offer the opportunity for Wedgwood enthusiasts the world over to gain expanded insight into related topics, visit private and public collections, and network in an informal forum. In addition, WIS members (whether in attendance or not) receive a bound copy of the Proceedings. Annual membership fee is $35 per individual and $50 per family (+ $10 for outside USA), and PayPal payments are now accepted for both membership and seminar fees.