Imagine this: it's the 1990s, you're on a work trip at David Jones in Townsville and you happen to be asked to attend a tea party.
The catch? It's hosted by Lord Piers Wedgwood, a direct descendant of the father of English pottery, Josiah Wedgwood.
It sounds like a story plucked from Bridgerton, but this is what happened to Brisbane woman Donna Schabe on a trip to Townsville three decades ago.
On the eve of Wedgwood: Artists and Industry launching at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, she's sharing her chance encounter with the late Wedgwood ambassador and the special gift he bestowed on her family.
"I was a sales rep for a leading underwear company and just happened to be in store at the time. I was invited by the staff to go up to the china department where there was a high tea, where I was introduced to Lord Wedgwood," Ms Schabe said.
"He was so charming, and as I am quite chatty, told him of my mother's pre-World War II dinner service of Edme (crockery), saying over the years a couple of pieces went missing."
Ms Schabe said the set was never used as it was considered her family's good china and was estimated to be about 90 years old.
"Lord Wedgwood asked his Queensland state general manager to organise to get me a few pieces of what was missing," she said.
"I was called to collect the three or four pieces in the office that was in Milton (Brisbane) at the time. He gifted them to me and I was delighted."
Ms Schabe said she still had the full set and was thrilled to know Townsville was continuing to share its love of Wedgwood, this time through the exhibition Wedgwood: Artists and Industry, dedicated to the history of the ceramics house.
Townsville Galleries director Holly Arden said the Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition was a showstopper, chronicling centuries of fine artistry and social campaigning.
"This exhibition is straight from the UK's Victoria and Albert Museum and showcases highlights from more than 200 years of Wedgwood ceramics and design," Dr Arden said.
"We are incredibly proud to have brought this blockbuster exhibition to Townsville and to share the remarkable history of Wedgwood with visitors from right across the country.
"Founder Josiah Wedgwood was an innovator, a brand powerhouse and a powerful figure in ending slavery in the UK. His story, and the story of the internationally recognisable Wedgwood legacy, is incredibly impactful."
Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the exhibition was a major coup for the region.
"Wedgwood: Artists and Industry is making its world debut right here in Townsville, the arts and events capital of Northern Australia," Cr Greaney said.
"Townsville has a long history of appreciating ceramics. We have hosted the North Queensland Ceramic Awards for 45 years, and we attract national and international potters to work in and around our city each year.
"It is wonderful to see our city's commitment to ceramics extended to this collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum. I know locals and visitors are going to really enjoy it."
Wedgwood: Artists and Industry is open now and runs until 24 August 2025 at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Entry for Townsville adults is $12, with concession and student tickets available at discounted prices.
