Josiah Wedgwood was an English potter who founded the Wedgwood pottery company in 1759. He is credited with the industrialization of the manufacture of pottery and is known for his innovative use of new materials and techniques. Wedgwood's work was highly sought after and he was a successful entrepreneur, becoming one of the wealthiest men of his time. His pottery is still highly sought after today and is considered to be some of the finest ever produced.