British potter and pioneer in modern ceramics.

Perhaps the most celebrated potter of his day, his works became well known for their aesthetic qualities as well as their utility.

Made a Fellow of the Royal Society (1783). An abolitionist, he sent Franklin a gift of several antislavery cameos of his manufacture (1788).

Born in Burslem, Staffordshire, England. Married Sarah Wedgwood (a third cousin) in 1764; seven children.