George Wade Recreates Iconic Ivy Sculpture for Stoke-on-Trent's 75th Anniversary Celebration
Stoke-on-Trent, a city renowned for its rich ceramics heritage, is celebrating a significant milestone with the recreation of a beloved piece from its history. The original piece, known as Ivy, was crafted in 1951 for the Festival of Britain by Wade Ceramics, a family-run business that operated for over two centuries before its closure in 2022 due to rising energy costs. In a heartwarming revival, George Wade & Son Ltd has produced 51 miniature replicas of Ivy, with all proceeds from the sales dedicated to charity. George Wade, a member of the Wade family, expressed his pride in returning to Stoke-on-Trent, a city that holds deep personal significance for him. He emphasized the importance of the city's ceramics legacy and his passion for Stoke City Football Club. The new company aims to honor this heritage by reintroducing iconic pieces like Ivy, which stands as a symbol of post-war optimism and creativity. The original Ivy, created by sculptor Colin Melbourne in collaboration with Wade's grandfather, Sir George Wade, was initially met with mixed reactions but has since become a cherished emblem of the city. The limited edition of 51 replicas not only commemorates the 75th anniversary of the original piece but also reflects Wade's aspirations to revive more historical ceramics in the future. He described the journey of recreating Ivy as an "absolute dream," filled with support from the community and a connection to his family's legacy. The profits from these sales will benefit The National Brain Appeal, further intertwining the revival of Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics with a meaningful cause. As Stoke-on-Trent continues to navigate its evolving identity, the return of Ivy serves as a reminder of the city's artistic spirit and the enduring impact of its ceramic history.
Commenti