I did a double-take as I swept through the Wedgwood Museum in Staffordshire, England.
Like a child with no appreciation for the contents of Grandma’s cupboards (unless there are cookies in there), I was not particularly enthused about learning the back story of bone china.
But I wasn’t alone in the museum. Real live kids were there on a school field trip, and – shock of shocks – they seemed to be having fun. Yes, FUN – in a museum dedicated to plates and teapots!!! Had I gone mad, or were these batty English children completely drunk on tea?
After spending a little more time there and studying these strange creatures, I concluded that the Wedgwood Museum is in fact sorta cool. Especially the superb interactive bit, where you get to throw your own pot (they even mail it to you once it’s fired), paint and chat with genuine Wedgwood craftspeople.
My handmade Wedgwood vase now sits proudly in my office. And whenever I see real Wedgwood in an antique shop, I yell “big dealio! I can make those!” at the shopkeeper and make a na-na-na-na-naaa-na face.
And I’m proud to report that I’ve resisted the urge to use it as a pen holder – at least, so far. Maybe if I got my hands on a worthy pen. Does anyone know if they give away pens at Hooters?
For information on travelling in Britain, click here.
Can’t fathom driving on “the other side?” Get around Britain the easy-peasy way with a BritRail pass.
And don’t forget to visit my Across the Pond homepage!
Travel arrangements courtesy of Visit Britain.
