Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth

In this engaging discussion, writer Jenny Uglow, urban history professor Rosemary Sweet, and art lecturer Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth explore the fascinating phenomenon of 'vase-mania' in 18th-century Britain. They delve into the societal shifts as antique vases became symbols of status and cultural capital amidst the rise of the middle class. The conversation highlights Josiah Wedgwood’s innovations in pottery, the allure of Greek antiquity, and the relationship between classical aesthetics and modern design, revealing how these influences shaped tastes and identities.

Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth, an art historian and senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, dives into the life of Lady Charlotte Schreiber, a pioneering art collector. Their conversation explores Charlotte's groundbreaking role in ceramics and her subversion of Victorian gender norms. McCaffrey-Howarth highlights Charlotte's remarkable journey from London society to Welsh archaeology, her passion for collecting, and the fascinating political dynamics of her work. They also discuss Charlotte's legacy at major museums, revealing the lasting impact of her contributions.