Colin Melbourne (1928–2002)
Sculptor, Designer and One of Britain’s Great Ceramic Artists
Colin Melbourne (1928–2009) was one of the most gifted ceramic modellers to emerge from the Staffordshire Potteries. Although none of his Wade designs entered full production, his work at George Wade & Son played a pivotal role in the creation of the iconic Ivy figure for the Festival of Britain in 1951. He later enjoyed an outstanding career working for companies including Beswick, Wedgwood, Midwinter, Crown Devon and Royal Norfolk, producing some of the most distinctive ceramic sculptures of the post-war period.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1928, Melbourne studied at the Burslem School of Art before beginning his career at Wedgwood. His exceptional talent earned him a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London, where he developed the clean, expressive style that would become his trademark.
After returning to Staffordshire, Melbourne worked as a freelance designer for a remarkable range of companies, including Wade Ceramics, Beswick, Midwinter, Crown Devon, Royal Norfolk and many others. His work combined elegant sculptural forms with a contemporary style that was unlike anything being produced at the time. Today his animal studies, decorative figures and tableware are highly sought after by collectors around the world.
Colin joined Wade from Wedgwood in 1950 and was recruited directly by Sir George Wade to work in his ‘experimental studio’ At Wade, Colin Melbourne produced some of the company’s most distinctive decorative figures. His ability to capture movement, character and personality in porcelain and earthenware helped establish him as one of Britain’s most innovative ceramic designers during the post-war period. Many of his Wade designs remain among the most admired pieces ever produced by the company and it is truly sad that none of them went into full production.
Colin only stayed at Wade for two years as a downturn in other parts of the business meant that the ‘experimental studio’ had to be closed. I am sure this was a great sadness to Sir George.
Beyond the world of ceramics, Melbourne became one of Stoke-on-Trent’s best-known sculptors. His public commissions include the celebrated Sir Stanley Matthews statue in Hanley, together with monuments to Sir Henry Doulton, Reginald Mitchell, James Brindley and The Steel Man, all of which continue to celebrate the city’s industrial and artistic heritage.
Today, Colin Melbourne is recognised as one of the most important British ceramic designers of the twentieth century. His work perfectly bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and his contribution to Wade forms an important part of the company’s rich artistic legacy.
His creations continue to inspire collectors, designers and ceramic enthusiasts, ensuring that his influence lives on long after the kilns have cooled.
Time at Wade
Although Colin’s time at Wade was relatively short, it came at an exciting moment in the company’s history. Working alongside Sir George Wade, he helped bring to life one of the most ambitious and talked-about pieces the company had ever produced.
That piece was Ivy.
Created for the 1951 Festival of Britain, Ivy was never intended to be just another ceramic figure. She was conceived as a statement of confidence in British design and craftsmanship at a time when the country was looking towards a brighter future after the hardships of war. Contemporary reactions were mixed—some even thought she was too modern—but history has been kind. Today, Ivy is recognised as one of the rarest and most significant pieces in Wade’s history.
Although none of Colin Melbourne’s Wade designs entered full production, his originality and artistic vision would go on to influence generations of ceramic artists. He became one of the Potteries’ most respected sculptors, yet his brief association with Wade remains a fascinating chapter in both his career and the story of Wade.
Below is a fabulous article from 1952 when Sir George and Colin were interviewed by the Pottery Trade Gazette the year after the Festival of Britain.
You can see many of the pieces on the shelves in the background including the Hawk Owl, Hoopoe and Teal.
We would like to thank Colin for his contribution to not only Wade but also to Stoke on Trent. If you ever visit Stoke on Trent please do go and see some of his sculptures around the city.
One of my favourites has to be Colin’s sculpture of Stanley Matthews in the centre of Hanley which was unveiled in 1987
Across the other side of the city is the Wade Conference Centre which houses a bronze bust of Sir George created by Colin Melbourne in 1982. Colin said that he loved working on this with Sir George and it got them back together after many years.
Colin described it as perhaps ‘my finest work’.
Below, my mother and I at the Conference Centre in October 2025
The audio interview below is from around 1998 with Colin Melbourne interviewed by Dave Lee. Colin reflects on his time at Wade and making Ivy.
