After spending 25 years as a designer and modeller at Wade Ceramics, you would be forgiven for thinking that Ken Holmes might have lost his passion for producing the legendary figures for which the company has become renowned.

However, though he is set to retire in autumn, Ken’s enthusiasm is still very much evident.

Ken joined Burslem-based Wade Ceramics, in September 1977. Formerly head mouldmaker of Paragon Fine Bone China at Royal Doulton, Ken worked hard to finish his career at the top of the ladder as Wade's studio design manager.

Growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, Ken was immediately attracted to a career in the pottery trade. He soon found himself faced with a choice between working in the mines or potteries - thankfully for Wade collectors he chose the latter!

He commented: "I was always attracted to the ceramics trade as I admired the beauty of the designs that the area produced. I'm still excited by the vibrancy of the colours and glazes available and the variety of functional and decorative designs we can produce."

Ken quickly applied for a job as blockmaker at Royal Doulton Studios while studying drawing, sculpting and modelling in his free time. A move to Wade ensured that he was able to put these creative and artistic talents to good use.

The pieces and ranges that Ken has worked on sounds like a who’s who of the character world. Andy Capp, Wind in the Willows, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, The Flintstones and Alice in Wonderland are but a few examples.

One of the most memorable collectables that Ken worked on was the Rule Beartannia range, designed by Jerome Walker of Chicago, Illinois. When modelling the range Ken and Jerome were only in contact by letter, a tall order to hit deadlines with complete customer satisfaction by anyone's standards but Ken did just that.

When asked how his pieces compare with those of past Wade modellers, Ken said, “Today’s customer has become more discerning and selective so updating is necessary but I also try to remain loyal to the traditional appeal of Wade collectables. I've been responsible for this movement since 1981 and in recognition became studio/design manager in 1998.”

Ken points to former Wade designer, Alan Mazlankowski as the one he had admired most. “I had the privilege of blocking all the ‘Survival Range’ for Alan, in particular the ‘Cheetah Gazelle’ masterpiece which was a complete departure from anything I had ever done before.”

Indeed, it was when Alan left Wade to work in America that Ken took on responsibility for much of the Wade modelling and has since produced so many of the figures for which is now known

Obviously proud of his work, Ken will be sad to leave Wade Ceramics but he is happy to know that he has passed some of his 25 years of experience to the modellers who continue to work in the Wade design studio.

Ken is looking forward to spending more time with his family. He has been married for 43 years and has two daughters and two grandchildren - he might have been busy at Wade but he is certain to have his hands full come September!