PRESS RELEASE
Historic Potter Looks to the Future
75 Years of Ivy, 40 Years Since Death of Sir George Wade
One of Stoke-on-Trent’s most iconic pieces of pottery is celebrating a landmark anniversary this year as Ivy, created by George Wade & Son Ltd for the 1951 Festival of Britain, marks 75 years.
Widely regarded as one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most iconic ceramic creations, Ivy became a symbol of post-war design and remains one of the most recognisable pieces ever to emerge from the city’s potteries.
Designed by celebrated sculptor Colin Melbourne in collaboration with Sir George Wade, Ivy remains one of the defining works of British ceramics. Melbourne later created many of Stoke-on-Trent’s best-known public sculptures, including the Sir Stanley Matthews statue in Hanley.
When first unveiled, Ivy divided opinion. In 1952, The Pottery Gazette wrote that she had ‘appeared on the scene enveloped in mystery and anonymity’ and predicted that ‘One day… she may come to be recognised for what she really represents—the spirit of the 1951 Festival of Britain.’ Seventy-five years later, that prediction has proved remarkably accurate.
This year also marks 40 years since the death of Sir George Wade and the first direct involvement of the Wade family in the business since the late 1980s, following the re-establishment of George Wade & Son Limited by his great-grandson, George Wade.
Following a period of uncertainty, RKW secured the future of the Wade brand and is once again producing attractive Wade tableware. Alongside this, George Wade & Son Limited is working with C&S Collectables to develop a new generation of Wade collectables in Stoke-on-Trent.
The new 8-inch edition of Ivy has been created on a not-for-profit basis. Following the death of George’s father, Jeremy Wade, last year, and George’s own diagnosis of a brain tumour, all profits from the project will be donated to The National Brain Appeal.
George Wade said:
“The last few years have given our family a very different perspective on what really matters. After losing my father last year and following my own diagnosis of a brain tumour, we wanted this project to become about more than simply recreating an iconic piece of pottery. By making Ivy a not-for-profit project, every piece sold will help support The National Brain Appeal. I would like to thank C and S Collectables, our manufacturing partners in Stoke-on-Trent, and everyone who has helped bring this project to life for embracing this vision from the very beginning.”
In collaboration with David and Russell at C&S collectables she is being launched at the Wade Fest Reunion event in Pennsylvania. Collectors will then be able to order Ivy on the C&S website. https://www.cscollectablesdirect.com/
Below is a prototype of the new Ivy. She is an eight inch version of the original.
Below showing the New Ivy with the original. A bit of a difference in size!
Below is one with a sample back stamp. Each production piece will be individually numbered. The back stamp harks back to the Faust Lang models from the 1930’s which were dated and included the name of the piece in blue. We have included CM for Colin Melbourne as his famous pieces for Beswick were back stamped CM and form the CM range. We have used the original George Wade & Son Ltd logo which also sits on the bottom of this website.
Please do add this historic piece to your collection and hopefully this will be the first of many new Wade figures.
I am immensely proud that, 75 years after Ivy first captured the imagination of the public, she is once again being made here in Stoke-on-Trent by skilled local ceramicists, ensuring that this remarkable story continues for a new generation of collectors.
It is has been my great pleasure to see Ivy come to life and created to celebrate one of Wade’s most iconic figures and dedicated to the memory of the wonderfully talented Colin Melbourne and my great grandfather Sir George Wade
I would like to thank the incredible Staffordshire team who have been behind making the new Ivy a reality:
Roger Bairstow – Master Potter
Roger Bairstow is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s best-known master potters and a lifelong champion of traditional British ceramics. Having spent more than 60 years in the pottery industry, he has dedicated his career to preserving the craftsmanship of hand-made, hand-painted ceramic collectables.
Throughout his career, Roger has produced an extensive range of character jugs, figurines and commemorative ceramics, with his work being collected and admired throughout the UK and around the world. His passion for the heritage of The Potteries and his commitment to traditional production methods have made him one of the industry’s most respected figures.
George Wade & Son Ltd is delighted that Roger has overseen the production of the new Ivy in Stoke-on-Trent. His experience, knowledge and unwavering commitment to British pottery craftsmanship have helped ensure that this special edition has been created to the highest possible standards, continuing the proud traditions of the Potteries while celebrating one of Wade’s most iconic designs.
Roger has worked on various Wade projects over the years so it has been an honour to work with him on Ivy!
Robert Tabbenor – Ceramic Modeller
Robert Tabbenor is one of Britain’s most respected ceramic modellers, with an outstanding career creating original sculptures for some of the country’s best-known pottery manufacturers. He is particularly recognised for his work with Royal Doulton, where he modelled a number of acclaimed character jugs and figurines, earning a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
George Wade & Son Ltd is proud that Robert has modelled the new Ivy, bringing his wealth of experience and traditional sculpting skills to this special project. His interpretation captures the charm and character of the original 1951 design while ensuring it is perfectly suited to modern ceramic production in Stoke-on-Trent.
Robert’s involvement reflects our commitment to celebrating the finest traditions of British pottery and working with some of the industry’s most talented craftsmen.
I was astonished by how Rob managed to capture Ivy so well in miniature form. I will treasure the original model in my collection!
Dan Smith – Ceramic Decorator
Dan Smith is a highly respected ceramic decorator whose work reflects the finest traditions of Stoke-on-Trent craftsmanship. Over many years he has earned an excellent reputation for the quality of his hand decoration, with his skills recognised through work on prestigious ceramics, including pieces produced for Royal Doulton.
For the new Ivy, Dan has carefully hand decorated every figure, faithfully capturing the colours, character and charm of the original 1951 design. His precision, consistency and attention to detail ensure that every piece is finished to the highest standard while retaining the individuality that only hand decoration can achieve.
George Wade & Son Ltd is delighted that Dan has played such an important role in bringing Ivy to life. His craftsmanship is a fitting continuation of Stoke-on-Trent’s world-famous pottery tradition, helping to ensure that every figure is worthy of the Wade name.
A huge thank you to Dan for his enthusiasm for this project. Hand painting each piece is a huge task and he has done a incredible job.
George Wade with Dan Smith and some early samples of the New Ivy.
Brian Simcock – Master Block Maker
Brian Simcock is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most respected block makers, with decades of experience producing the precision block moulds that are fundamental to fine ceramic manufacture. Through B J Simcock Mouldmaking Ltd, Brian has worked with many of the Potteries’ leading manufacturers, earning an outstanding reputation for accuracy, reliability and exceptional craftsmanship.
Block making is one of the most specialised skills in the ceramics industry. The quality of every mould—and ultimately every finished piece—depends upon the precision of the original block. Brian’s expertise has helped preserve this traditional craft, ensuring that new ceramic designs can be produced to the exacting standards for which Stoke-on-Trent is renowned.
George Wade & Son Ltd is proud that Brian created the production block work for the new Ivy. His craftsmanship provided the essential foundation for bringing this iconic design back into production, ensuring that every figure faithfully reflects the quality and detail of the original while benefiting from the precision of modern ceramic manufacturing.
I was thrilled to meet Brian and find out he had worked for Wade in the 1970’s. I had not idea before meeting him.
George Wade with Brian Simcock and Rob Tabbenor with the Ivy model
Ivy as created by Rob Tabbenor
George Wade with original Ivy and samples of the new Ivy
I would also like to thank Bill Buckley from Potteries Auctions for introducing me to Roger and the team.
Bill and his team did an excellent job handling the administration of the Wade factory and achieved many superb prices. I was delighted to be able to buy the oringinal Ivy from the auction.
Jeremy Wade, George Wade, David Chown, Jenny Wright and Russell Schooley on the day Ivy sold at Potteries Auctions in 2023
