Wallace Martin received formal art training as a sculptor, but later worked at the Doulton Lambeth pottery, where he learned the essentials of making, decorating and firing stonewares. He was joined by his three younger brothers, two of whom had also been taught art and worked at Doultons, in the establishment of the first craftsman-led pottery. The brothers undertook all aspects of the making, decorating and firing of their work, anticipating the pattern of studio pottery working during the twentieth century.