1809 Wedgwood and Byerley showrooms for Wedgwood china, York Street, London, UK. Plate via Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of Arts. The premises of master potter Josiah Wedgwood in York Street, St James’ Square, London, U.K. Wedgwood china was known for its high quality, beautiful glazes and Wedgwood trademark printed on the back of each item. The London show-room was managed by Thomas Byerley, who also held a quarter share of the business. From 1790 to 1810 the firm was known as Wedgwood and Byerley. Josiah Wedgwood had smallpox as a child with left him with a weakened knee so he couldn’t work the foot pedal of a potter’s wheel. Instead, he concentrated on designing pottery and unique glazes. By 1763, he was commissioned by high ranking British people, including Queen Charlotte.

In 1780, his longtime partner died and Wedgwood’s left leg had been amputated so he asked Erasmus Darwin to help run the business and their children married. The Wedgwood inheritance allowed Charles Darwin to pay for being a naturalist. From 1786 to 1789, Wedgwood took on the project of duplicating the Portland Vase from the 1st century BD. His two sons took over the business and Josiah died at home in 1795. During his life, he helped invent modern marketing and direct mail, money-back guarantees, traveling salesmen, self-service, free deliver, buy one get one free and illustrated catalogs.