Public can creatively redesign Wedgwood's iconic Jasperware in celebration of its 250th anniversary, thanks to an AI tool developed by the brand.
Japanese artist Hayao Miyazaki has expressed his disdain for AI-generated art, viewing it as an "insult to life itself." However, English fine china brand Wedgwood is taking a different approach. In partnership with digital agency XXII Studio, Wedgwood has developed the Jasper 250 tool, a generative tool that allows users to design their own piece of Jasperware, Wedgwood's signature unglazed, fine-grained stoneware.
This innovative project, set to launch on April 10, 2025, marks 250 years of Jasperware. The winning entry from the public competition will be acquired by the V&A Wedgwood Collection, and will go on show in a free display titled 'Unpacking the V&A Wedgwood Collection: Jasper 250' in June. A 3D-printed version of the winning entry will join holdings of more than 175,000 objects in the V&A Wedgwood Collection.
Wedgwood is keen to investigate how AI could augment and improve traditional techniques. The brand has a rich history of blending technical innovation with elegant design in ceramics. Historically, Wedgwood has been known for refining a durable and ivory-white porcelain formula, which was widely adopted by English manufacturers in the early 19th century.
The Jasper 250 tool is just the first step for Wedgwood, opening the door to deeper and more detailed exploration in the future. The company is evaluating the impact of AI on the design and production process.
However, the use of AI in design is not without controversy. While it expands creative possibilities, it also raises concerns such as potential job displacement and cultural biases embedded in AI models. In the fine china context, debates might arise around originality and craftsmanship authenticity. A group of leading UK designers, including Jasper Morrison and Tom Dixon, have written an open letter opposing government plans to allow AI models to be trained on copyrighted work without consent.
Despite these concerns, Wedgwood is optimistic about the potential of AI to enhance traditional techniques. In a statement, the brand said that the Jasper 250 tool, while designed for enjoyment and expression, also empowers them to lead the conversation around cutting-edge AI technologies in the design space.
For more information about the Jasper 250 tool, visit wedgwood.com. The brand also invites visitors to subscribe to their newsletter for daily inspiration, escapism, and design stories from around the world.
The familiar, pale blue stoneware is still produced in Stoke-on-Trent today, known for its biscuit-like texture and distinctive relief decoration. The Jasper 250 project is a testament to Wedgwood's commitment to innovation and its enduring legacy in the world of fine china design.
- Despite Hayao Miyazaki's disdain for AI-generated art, English fine china brand Wedgwood, with its innovative Jasper 250 tool, is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to augment traditional ceramics techniques.
- The Jasper 250 tool, a generative tool designed for enjoyment and expression amidst debates around originality and cultural biases, marks Wedgwood's pursuit of leading the conversation on AI technologies in the design space.
