PRESS RELEASE

75 Years of Ivy, 40 Years Since Sir George Wade

Historic Potter Looks to the Future

Special Limited Edition of only 51 pieces

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."

George Wade & Son Website - History of Wade