In 1916, while the world was gripped by war, a Yorkshire doctor’s daughter named Daisy Makeig-Jones was creating fantasy worlds filled with dancing elves and mystical creatures. Her Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre pieces now command £800 to £50,000+ at auction, making them among the most sought-after ceramics of the 20th century.
A Wedgwood Flame Fairyland lustre footed bowl, circa 1925, designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones, in the ‘Poplar Trees, Woodland Elves V and Mermaid’ design Z5630, sold at auction for £3,500
The Artist Behind the Magic
Daisy Makeig-Jones transformed Wedgwood’s fortunes during its darkest period. Born December 31, 1881, in Wath-upon-Dearne near Rotherham, she joined Wedgwood in 1909 as an apprentice painter. By 1914, this remarkable woman had earned her own studio and was creating the designs that would rescue the company from near-bankruptcy.
Daisy Makeig-Jones (1881-1945), (credit: artistoric.com)
The Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre range launched in 1916, offering war-weary Britain an escape into magical realms. Daisy Makeig-Jones drew inspiration from fairy tales, Asian porcelain, and Victorian illustrations by artists like Gustave Doré. Her complex firing process required up to six kiln visits per piece, with expensive “best gold” finishing that justified the premium pricing.
Understanding Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre stands apart from traditional Wedgwood jasperware through its brilliant iridescent colours and fantastical themes. Produced between 1916 and 1941, Daisy Makeig-Jones created over 62 patterns featuring elves, fairies, goblins, and exotic landscapes. The range proved immensely popular in 1920s America, providing crucial export revenue during economic uncertainty.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre octagonal bowl: Z5918, decorated in the “Geisha” and “Running Figures”, sold at auction for £1,300
How to Identify Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre: Key Patterns & Authentication
Learning how to identify Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre requires understanding both marks and patterns. Authentic pieces bear the Portland Vase mark with “Wedgwood Made in England” and crucial pattern numbers beginning with “Z”.
Most Valuable Patterns at Auction:
- Woodland Bridge: Features elves in woodland settings, often commanding premium auction prices
- Poplar Trees: Distinctive tree motifs with flame skies, highly sought by collectors
- Castle on a Road (Dana pattern): Islamic-inspired architectural scenes
- Imps on a Bridge: Playful creatures in landscape settings
- Bird in a Hoop: Circular bird motifs with decorative borders
- Butterfly Women: Elegant female figures with butterfly wings
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre large four sided vase, decorated with the Dana – Castle on a Road pattern Z 5125, sold at auction for £2,000
When examining how to identify Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, focus on the lustre quality itself. Genuine pieces display brilliant iridescence that inferior copies cannot replicate. The patterns should show crisp detail with precise gold outlining characteristic of Daisy Makeig-Jones’ exacting standards.
Professional authentication requires examining multiple factors beyond marks alone. Genuine Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre displays consistent lustre depth and quality gold work throughout. The patterns should match documented designs by Daisy Makeig-Jones, with proper factory marks confirming authenticity. Pattern identification requires specialist knowledge, as Daisy Makeig-Jones created numerous variations within each design family. Subtle differences between patterns can dramatically impact value.
Daisy Makeig-Jones for Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Lincoln plate: ‘Roc Centre’ an unrecorded plate, circa 1925, sold at auction for £1,200
Common condition issues include gilt wear and lustre degradation, significantly affecting auction values. Professional restoration can sometimes improve presentation, but original condition pieces command premium prices at auction.
For general Wedgwood pottery mark identification, be sure to check out our handy guide here.
Current Auction Market Values
Recent auction results demonstrate strong Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre performance. A Pillar pattern vase achieved $4,032 at auction in 2024, exceeding its $3,500-5,000 estimate. Standard bowls typically realise £320-£800 at auction, while rare patterns and larger forms command significantly higher prices.
Wedgwood fairyland lustre footed bowl Z5446, designed by Daisy Makeig Jones, sold at auction for £1,100
Auction values depend heavily on pattern rarity, condition, and size. Ginger jars and large vases featuring sought-after patterns consistently achieve premium results. The scarcity factor cannot be overstated- very little Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre reaches auction, making each appearance significant.
Investment Potential and Collecting Trends
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre represents both artistic achievement and investment opportunity. Auction records show consistent appreciation over decades, with the finest patterns by Daisy Makeig-Jones setting new records regularly. The combination of limited production, growing recognition, and Daisy Makeig-Jones’ reputation ensures continued auction interest.
Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre vase decorated in the Rainbow Bifrost design (left), expected to make £1,000 – £2,000 & vase decorated in the rare Jewelled Tree design (right) expected to make £1,500 – £3,000 in our November 2025 auction
Collectors should focus on authenticated pieces with clear patterns and provenance. Understanding how to identify Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre protects against costly mistakes while ensuring you recognise genuine treasures. The market rewards knowledge, making education essential for successful collecting.
Ready to discover the value of your Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre?
Our team of expert valuers are available every Tuesday from 9am-3:30pm at our Silverdale saleroom, where they can value your Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre and advise you on consigning to auction. To book a free appointment, use our online form here.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on 01782 638100. We can even provide valuations via WhatsApp: simply send clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.