Adams Staffordshire – Currier & Ives

Adams is a historic Staffordshire ceramics brand associated with a long-running family of potters who operated several firms collectively known as William Adams & Sons. Based in the North Staffordshire Potteries, the company helped shape the British ceramic industry from the late 18th century through the 20th century, particularly in tableware and ironstone.

Key Facts

  • Origin: Staffordshire, England, UK Staffordshire

  • Founded: Roots in pottery from 17th century; firm established c.1769–1779

  • Founder figure: William Adams (one of several potter cousins)William Adams (potter)

  • Specialty: Fine earthenware, jasperware, blue-and-white ware, later strong ironstone

  • Later ownership: Absorbed into Wedgwood Group in 1966; Adams brand production ended 1998

Historical Background

The Adams family were involved in pottery in North Staffordshire as early as the 15th–17th centuries, with documented potters such as Robert Adams in the mid-1600s. In the 18th century several cousins named William Adams established factories around Tunstall and Stoke, creating a cluster of related but distinct Adams enterprises.

One key figure, William Adams (baptized 1746), founded the Greengates Pottery in 1779 and marked wares “Adams & Co.” Over time, various branches traded under names such as William Adams & Sons, helping build the recognizable “Adams” brand in Staffordshire ceramics.

Products & Style

Adams gained renown for refined earthenware and jasperware influenced by, and in dialogue with, contemporaries like Josiah Wedgwood. Their output included table services, plaques, medallions, and especially blue-and-white transfer-printed designs echoing Chinese porcelain.

In the 19th century the company moved strongly into ironstone, marketing durable tableware that became popular for everyday use while still carrying decorative historical and scenic patterns. Many patterns remained in production for decades, making vintage Adams dinner services a common sight in antique and replacement-china markets.

Corporate Changes & Legacy

After periods of closure and sale in the early 19th century, the Adams name re-emerged under another branch of the family and continued operating into the 20th century. In 1966, William Adams & Sons was acquired during a wave of pottery-industry consolidation by Wedgwood, which absorbed several Staffordshire firms.

Ceramics under the Adams brand were produced until 1998, after which the name ceased as an active manufacturing mark. Today Adams pieces are collected for their historical importance, distinctive transferware patterns, and role in the broader story of Staffordshire ceramics.