The (V&A) Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.  Straight from the UK’s V&A, and exclusive to Townsville, Queensland, 6 April – 24 August 2025, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry, showcased highlights from over 200 years of Wedgwood ceramics and design.  Wedgwood is one of the most recognizable names in ceramics today.  Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood (1730-96), the name Wedgwood has come to stand for something far beyond the striking blue and white of the company’s ironic Jasperware.  The Etruria Works was a ceramics factory opened by Josiah Wedgwood in 1769 in the district of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. The factory ran for 180 years, as part of the wider Wedgwood business.

I was fortunate to be in Townsville when this treasured exhibition was showing at their Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.  On display in a glass cabinet was a round Sydney Cove Medallion, with the text ‘Etruria 1789’, on the front and showing Hope encouraging Peace, Art and Labour, to work for the prosperity of the new young settlement.

I could not leave the exhibition without taking a photograph of the Medallion and description card.  Seeking permission, the photographs below were taken through the glass. 

Back in July 2023 the Fellowship web site featured a descriptive story of a Sydney Cove Medallion that went to auction in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

References:
Wedgwood Artists and Industry an Interactive Guide from the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Townsville City Council web site on the Wedgwood exhibition
Wikipedia