Thomas Wedgwood born in 1734, was the cousin of Josiah Wedgwood with whom he was in partnership from 1766 until 1788 when he died in a drowning accident.

Ralph was Thomas’s eldest son and at his father’s death was obliged to take on the family responsibilities for his seven siblings. This included completing the establishment of the pottery business his father had begun before his death.

Much is yet to be discovered about Thomas and Ralph, this paper is intended to be a step towards a better understanding of their role in the pottery industry in Staffordshire in the late 18th century.