Quick Facts
Biography
Ralph Wood was the hereditary name of a series of notable Staffordshire potters: Ralph Wood I (1715–1772), the "miller of Burslem," his son Ralph Wood II (1748–1795), and his grandson Ralph Wood III (1774–1801). Through his mother, Ralph Wood II was related to Josiah Wedgwood.
Ralph Wood I
Ralph Wood I was apprenticed to John Astbury in 1730, then worked with Thomas Whieldon at Fenton Low where he learned to make colored glazes. In 1754 he started making his own salt-glazed wares at Burslem, and by about 1760 was creating ceramic figures of humans and animals, mostly famously stags. He is credited with introducing the Toby jug, with his first being "Toby Philpot" circa 1762.
Ralph Wood II
Ralph Wood II followed in his father's footsteps, manufacturing a variety of figures colored with enamels rather than glazing; at least some were supplied to Josiah Wedgwood in 1782 and 1783. On 24 June 1774, he married Sophia Lambert and their son, Ralph Wood III, was baptized on 29 May 1774.
Ralph Wood III
Ralph Wood III continued the Hill Potworks until his death in 1801, at which time production of Ralph Wood figures ceased.