Collectors' favourite, Wade Ceramics, has welcomed back former employee William Harper to launch a historic plaque at the reception of its Royal Victoria Potteries building. The plaque celebrates and marks the 50th anniversary of its hugely popular Whimsie collectables this year. It is half a century since Harper was commissioned to design the first ever set of Whimsies, modelled for Sir George Wade as pocket money toys for children but an immediate hit with both adults and kids alike.

Grandson of Sir George Wade, Jeremy Wade joined William Harper and Wade's managing director, Paul Farmer, to view the plaque. Wade commented: "I'm delighted that my grandfather's Whimsies are still popular all these years after they were first produced. The brand is synonymous with Wade and is a vital part of our history."

William Harper agreed: "It is wonderful to see that people still enjoy collecting Whimsies today and amazing to see how much the original set I designed is now worth."

Wade has produced a special anniversary piece for purchase this year. The piece, a dog playing with a blue ball, is taken from the first ever set of animal themed whimsies modelled in 1953. A two and half inch version of the original it has been modelled with the same detail and colours as its predecessor.

As a special celebration, the piece is accompanied with an original size version that has been crafted using the original tools that made the first model but has a golden ball to mark the golden occasion.