Percy Shelley (potter)

Percy Shelley (1860-1937) was a major force in developing Shelley Potteries. He was born in Longton, Staffordshire. He attended Owen’s College, Manchester and then London University, where he gained a B.A. degree.

In 1881, Percy joined his father, Joseph, at Wileman & Co. pottery. Percy had not received any formal training in pottery, but became known first and foremost as a potter and went on to develop the lasting reputation of Shelley China. Wanting to improve the ware that the company was producing and to get a better understanding of the export market, especially America, Percy went to the U.S.A. and visited the 1893 Chicago Exhibition. In June 1896, his father, Joseph, died and he took over control of the business. To improve the ware he brought in artists and designers who he felt could (and did) change the company. The two best known were Rowland Morris and Frederick Alfred Rhead. Percy married in 1890 and his son Percy Norman was born in 1893 and a year later twin boys, Vincent Bob and Kenneth Jack were born. Norman and Bob joined their father in the business just before the start of the 1st W.W. After the war they were joined at the factory by their brother Jack who had completed his university course. Each son was to take charge of an area of the company and build on the growing reputation that their father had started.

In 1932, Percy retired to Bournemouth and died in 1937.

Shelley Potteries, The History and Production of a Staffordshire Family of Potters – Watkins, Harvey & Senft ISBN

'British Potters and Pottery Today' 1956

The Shelley Style, A Collectors Guide – Susan Hill ISBN

Wileman, A Collectors Guide – Richard Knight & Susam Hill ISBN

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