Often considered the first British studio potters, the four brothers worked collectively; Robert Wallace (1843–1924), Charles Douglas (1846–1910), Walter Frazer (1859–1912) and Edwin Bruce (1860–1915). Wallace studied ceramics and sculpture at Lambeth School of Art, c.1860, and became the main sculptor for the business. He is best known for his strange birds (Wally birds) and humorous mugs with faces influenced by Gothic grotesques. Charles acted as business manager while Walter was the principal thrower. Their work was influenced by Japanese art and included flower and animal motifs in the muted colours characteristic of salt-glaze technique. The firm was originally founded in 1873 and was based in Fulham but in 1877 they moved to Southall.