Special Wedgwood Museum Friends Preview of

 'A Passion for Flowers'

Sunday 6th April 2004

Marvellous! Fantastic! and 'What a delightful afternoon' were some of the favourable comments voiced about the first-ever 'Friends' event. Some sixty of our members gathered to celebrate the inaugural meeting in company with their newly formed Committee, ever helpful members of the Visitor Centre staff, and senior Wedgwood management. The event saw the official opening of the exhibition 'A Passion For Flowers' commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Horticultural Society in March 1804, and acknowledging the crucial role of John Wedgwood (1766-1844) eldest son of Josiah, in its formation.

The day also saw the launch of Jenny Uglow's new book 'A Little History of British Gardening'. Jenny, who has written extensively on eighteenth and nineteenth century literature and culture, is no stranger to the history of Wedgwood or the first Josiah's associates, having recently authored the important new work 'The Lunar Men' which examined the activities of this Birmingham based Society. As well as signing copies of her latest work, Jenny declared the exhibition officially 'open'. Amongst the guests were Sir Martin and Lady Wedgwood who had travelled from Surrey, and Sir William Laurence.

'Friends' were fed and refreshed after the exhibition had been thoroughly investigated - and even the most unseasonable rain, hail and high winds did not succeed in dampening their enthusiasm for a wonderful afternoon well-spent! - Click thumbnail image below for full size photograph.