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At the time, Wade's focus was on the production of industrial pottery that would help rebuild England, a country left severely damaged from the effects of World War II. When England outgrew the need for this kind of work, Irish Wade Pottery shifted its focus towards that of a more decorative nature. In order to differentiate itself from another popular pottery maker, Wade England, Wade Ulster produced its own trademark slogan and picture that made its way on the back of every piece. If the phrase "Irish Porcelain Made in Ireland" with an accompanying picture of a shamrock appeared, then it was sure to be an authentic piece.  Molly Malone, one of the During Carryer and his wife Iris' seventeen-year stay overseeing the Wade Ulster factories in Northern England, they turned out nothing but success, especially with the hit of a child's Noah's Ark set, an idea created by Iris herself. The factory and its pottery gained so much success that in 1950, they became a private limited company known as Wade (Ulster) Ltd. Burslem, known as the "Mother Town" of the pottery factories of Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire, England, produced highly collectible pieces. Collectibles produced in the Burslem factories have always been more popular than those which came from the Irish factory. However, most collectors don't realize that, at the time, much of the pottery marked "England" was actually being produced in Irish factories. An amusing story comes directly from Iris Carryer herself, who recalls a time when a factory in Burslem ordered Irish leprechauns with Wade England stampings on them. Because the leprechauns were being produced in Ireland, this infuriated Iris. Until an agreement could be made between the Burslem factory and Iris' Wade Ireland, numerous leprechauns left her factory without any markings or stamps at all. In the end, Iris' tenacity won out and all figurines left the factory with a Wade Ireland stamping, although most giftware produced in Ireland continued to bear the signature Wade, England stamp. A piece of Irish Wade pottery can easily be characterized by the use of speckled blue, green and gray glazes. Popular figurines included pixies, leprechauns and lucky fairy folk. Wade Ulster was known for producing comical versions of animals and other beings. One of the more popular series - the shamrock series - includes just that. In addition to figurines, Wade Ulster also tried its hand in giftware and, with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, they produced a series to commemorate the event. Because of its success in this arena, other giftware was subsequently produced and the distinctive green/blue Irish glaze can be found on most vases, dishes, etc., produced during this period. In 1964, the Carryers retired from the factory and moved to California, a dream they had abandoned so long ago at the request of Iris' father to start up the pottery factory. Once settled in California and enjoying retirement, it was Iris herself who commissioned the San Francisco Cable Car. Two years later, in 1966, Wade Ulster officially changed its name to Wade Ireland Ltd. For the following thirty years, Wade Ireland remained a popular and sought after collectible pottery. In the early '90s the factory closed its doors for good. A decade later, the Edenderry Cultural & Historical Society of Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland was formed in September 2004. It is composed of former Wade Ireland employees and Irish Wade enthusiasts. At its formation, a first order of business was to record the products produced at the factory in conjunction with stories from the employees who worked there. For information visit www.wadeireland.co.uk. Where's your Wade? Do you have a special piece, or an entire collection of Wade? Send us a photo or two and be featured on our website beginning March 12. Email photos to |
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