Established in 1883--1930,  Robert Methven Heron introduced a group of continental artists into his Fife pottery in and around the 1880s.  The very characteristic nature of Wemyss  comes from their influence. 

Although roses, apples and cherries had been stiffly painted before,  most of the artists returned home but Karel Nekola stayed.

Wemyss was always wanted by the rich,  and the ware was purchased by Scottish lairds.

Wemyss was fired at low temperatures to produce a biscuit body which would absorb the soft and delicate brush strokes of the artists.  Then it was dipped in a soft lead glaze and fired again at a low temperature., this accounts for the fragility of Wemyss and the rarity of exceptional pieces.

Artists   Nekola trained James Sharp, David Grinton, John Brown, Hugh and Christine McKinnon and they where later joined by Nekolas sons Carl and
Joseph

Karel Nekola was the person who painted the large important pieces and also the commemorative pieces from Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897 until the coronation of George  V in 1911.  He died in 1915. Edwin Sandiland became chief decorator in 1916.  The change in public taste  after the first world war with the introduction of art deco saw a move away from the  traditional designs,  and various new designs  where tried out  but y the time Edwin Sandiland  died in 1928 the end was in sight.  The fife pottery closed in 1930.

Things to look for are early pieces especially with red borders and unusual  subject matters such as  nasturtiums, gorse, pink flamingos.

Watch for and be aware of unmarked pieces as these could be copies from another factory or rejects. 

The Bovey Tracy pottery in Devon bought the rights and moulds of the Fife pottery and gave employment to Joseph Nekola who continued the familiar decorations to a high standard until his death in 1952.  Royal Doulton subsequently acquired the rights.