Wade

Wade is historically famous for the introduction of the very collectible Wade Whimsies.

George WADE (1864-1938), was born in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent. His father was a potters thrower and later became a manager.

George Wade was educated at Nottingham University and eventually became Chairman of George Wade & Son Ltd. 

Wade Ceramics was established in 1867. It was originally made up of a number of different companies founded by various members of the Wade family, and was only finally united as Wade Potteries Limited in 1958. The original companies were:

1. Wade & Myatt (later became George Wade & Son, who made industrial ceramics and Wade Whimsies). Established 1867.
2. John Wade & Co (later Wade Heath & Co, who made decorative ware, particularly art deco vases in the 1930s). Established 1867.
3. J & W Wade (later AJ Wade Ltd, who made tiles, notably the original tiles for the London Underground). Established 1891.

In 1905, George Wade & Son took over rival company Henry Hallen. As the Hallen firm was owned by a distant relation and was founded in 1810, Wade Ceramics (through this) claim to have been established in 1810. In the 1930s Colonel Sir George Wade gained control of the Wade companies that had previously been run by his father and uncles. He also started further Wade factories, including Wade (Ulster) Ltd in Portadown.

The original Wade company manufactured ceramic products for the cotton industry as well as porcelain figures and groups.

Vintage Art Pottery - Wade Porcelain S Shape Log Violet Bowl - Circa 1954-1959