People and Processes - Ken Holmes (As printed in this edition - based on an article by Ian Warner and Mike Posgay). Ken Holmes began his career as an apprentice mould maker with a Longton pottery. After experience with a number of local potteries work became hard to find in the field of potting so Ken was forced to look elsewhere for employment. This new work took the form of employment in the coal mines and, after that, as a brick layers labourer. When business at the potteries improved, Ken was able to resume his career as a mould maker, soon becoming the youngest head mould maker in the area. After a number of years experience, Ken eventually became a block maker with the Royal Doulton Pottery. It was here that he first came in contact with designer Alan Mazlankowski. In the mid 1970's, Mazlankowski left Doulton and went to work for Wade Potteries where he designed the Survival and Connoisseur series. It was soon after this that Ken left Doulton to take up a position as a block maker at Wade. Part of Ken's job at Wade was to create and develop ideas that might appeal to potential customers. Many of the prototypes produced from these ideas were rarely used but on occasion some were resurrected for later use by clients of the pottery. In the mid 1980's Ken became the head modeller for Wade. Amongst Ken's designs for the pottery are the Thornton's van and the Tetley Tea and Coffee Van money boxes; the Tetley Tea Brew Gaffer and Sidney salt and pepper shakers; the My Fair Ladies sets 1 & 2 and the Sophisticated Ladles; the new range of pressed Dinosaurs and the new range of limited collectables Pets and Children. Much of Ken's work is to bespoke customers for Instance, a retriever for Debenham's Department Store, the bride and groom wedding cake decoration for Dunbar's of Scotland, London Taxi, Equestrian figures of Robert the Bruce for a whisky container, and the St. Bernard dog key ring for St. Bruno Tobacco etc. Ken is married with two daughters and has recently become a Granddad. Surprisingly his hobby is fishing and not collecting although he does have a few decorative pieces he and his wife Sheila are fond of.

First United Kingdom Wade Collector's Fair

The First United Kingdom Wade Collector's Fair will be held at the Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Sunday 25-Sep-1994 starting at 10:30am. The Wade factory will be demonstrating modeling and decorating of pieces. A display will also be included showing the production processes of blocks, cases and molds. Wade will also have on special the Brown Spaniel Dog in a limited edition of 1000 and will only be sold at the event. The piece measures 3 1/4" and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.