Collectables specialist, Wade Ceramics of Stoke-on-Trent is well aware that many of its collectors buy Wade as an investment, knowing that the item will not only bring the pleasure of display but also gain value.
As a result, the company has put together some top tips on the best ways to look after its products and keep them fully collectable.

Keep as new - Keep your collectable in its original packaging. Do not remove any stickers, certificates or other details that accompany the item as these often add value by authenticating the piece as well as making it more interesting to the buyer.

Know your history - Future collectors will want to know everything about the item they are buying, such as when it was bought, other pieces which complete the set, its purchase price, its modeller and if it is a limited edition. Why not note these details down and keep them in a safe place?

Be safe not sorry - Wade recommends cleaning collectables with a damp cloth NOT immersing them in a bowl of water. Although most fully glazed ceramics would not suffer damage, earthenware tends not to be glazed internally and as such may absorb the water which will "craze" or crack the glaze and colour.

Store with care - It may sound obvious but the majority of damage caused to collectables comes from some form of impact. Ceramics are prone to "brittle fracture" so they don't bounce well! Chipped and scratched collectables do not attract the same prices as those kept in mint condition so, to protect your investment properly, make sure that collectables are displayed well out of reach of tiny hands!

For more information on any aspect of caring for Wade please contact Jenny or Kim of the Wade Ceramics Official Collectors Club on 01782 255 255.