“_Beautiful forms_ and _compositions_ are not to be made by chance; and they never were made nor can be made in any kind at a small expense; but the proprietors of this manufactory have the satisfaction of knowing, by a careful comparison, that the prices of many of their ornaments are _much lower_, and of all of them as _low_ as those of any other ornamental works in Europe, of equal quality and bisqué, notwithstanding the high price of labour in England, and they are determined rather to give up the making of any article than to degrade it. They do not manufacture for those who estimate works of ornament by their _magnitude_, and who would buy pictures at _so much a foot_. They have been happy in the encouragement and support of many illustrious persons who judge of the works of Art by better principles; and so long as they have the honour of being thus patronised, they will endeavour to support and improve the quality and taste of their manufactures.” Such were Wedgwood’s ideals, and he raised the making of pottery in England into a fine art. The inscription on his monument at Stoke-upon-Trent shows the esteem with which his contemporaries held him. Sacred to the Memory of JOSIAH WEDGWOOD, F.R.S. & S.A., Of Etruria, in this County, Born in August, 1730, died January 3rd, 1795, Who converted a rude and inconsiderable manufacture into an elegant art and an important part of national Commerce. By these services to his country he acquired an ample fortune, Which he blamelessly and reasonably enjoyed, And generously dispensed for the reward of merit and the relief of misfortune. His mind was inventive and original, yet perfectly sober and well regulated; His character was decisive and commanding, without rashness or arrogance; His probity was inflexible, his kindness unwearied; His manners simple and dignified, and the cheerfulness of his temper was the natural reward of the activity of his pure and useful life. He was most loved by those who knew him best, And he has left indelible impressions of affection and veneration on the minds of his family, who have erected this monument to his memory.