Background
He was born in Longton, Staffordshire. In 1881, Percy joined his father, Joseph, at Wileman & Company pottery.
He was born in Longton, Staffordshire. In 1881, Percy joined his father, Joseph, at Wileman & Company pottery.
He attended Owen’s College, Manchester and then London University, where he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
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 United States.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. In 1932, Percy retired to Bournemouth and died in 1937.