1930s - Wharfedale's Founding

In 1932, Gilbert Briggs founded Wharfedale Wireless Works in Yorkshire, England. Briggs built his first loudspeaker in his cellar, which led to the creation of a company that would become synonymous with high-fidelity sound. In 1933, Wharfedale launched its first commercial loudspeaker, which quickly gained popularity for its exceptional sound quality.

1940s - Pioneering Two-Way Speakers

During the 1940s, Wharfedale pioneered the development of the first two-way speaker system, which revolutionized audio reproduction by using separate drivers for high and low frequencies. This innovation greatly enhanced sound clarity and set new standards in loudspeaker design, influencing the entire audio industry.

1950s - Expansion and Technical Innovation

The 1950s saw Wharfedale expand its product line and introduce new technical innovations, including advancements in speaker cabinet design and materials. The company began using sand-filled speaker cabinets, an innovation that reduced resonance and improved sound quality, further solidifying Wharfedale’s reputation for excellence.

1960s - Acoustic Suspension and International Growth

In the 1960s, Wharfedale introduced the acoustic suspension speaker design, which allowed for deeper bass response in smaller cabinets. This innovation made high-fidelity audio more accessible to a wider audience and played a crucial role in Wharfedale's expansion into international markets, establishing a global presence.

1980s - Launch of the Diamond Series

1981 marked the launch of the Diamond Series, a compact bookshelf speaker that quickly became one of the best-selling loudspeakers worldwide. Known for its affordability and high performance, the Diamond Series received numerous awards and set the standard for entry-level high-fidelity audio equipment.

2000s - Embracing New Technologies

In the early 2000s, Wharfedale continued to innovate by incorporating new materials and technologies, such as Kevlar drivers and advanced crossover networks. These developments improved speaker performance and durability, allowing Wharfedale to maintain its position as a leader in the high-fidelity audio market.

2012 - Introduction of the Heritage Line

Introduction of the Heritage line begins with the release of the Wharfedale Denton 80th anniversary. The Denton 80th is the first model that features modern performance with a classic look.

2017 - Expansion of the Heritage Line

Heritage Line expands with Denton 85th anniversary which continues to feature a mixture of traditional and advanced technology.

2019 - Reintroduction of the Vintage Linton

Wharfedale re-introduces a modern version of their vintage Linton as an 85th anniversary model. The new Linton has a clear family resemblance. It, too, is a three-way standmount model – a rarity in the modern era – retaining similar proportions to the classic Linton models. Its wood-veneered cabinet has a vintage look, yet the standard of finish is distinctly contemporary.

That same year also marked the release of the more modern styled mid-level priced EVO4 Series which features an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter that was developed alongside their flagship Elysian. The EVO4 Series was designed to harness the concepts and technologies of the Elysian development project, but without the high price tag.

2020 - Introduction of the Flagship Elysian

Flagship Elysian is introduced after 3 years in development. For the Elysian, each component part is engineered to the very highest standard. The speakers feature a newly developed AMT tweeter capable of delivering crystal-clear extended high frequencies, proprietary woven glass fibre matrix drivers, a sophisticated fine tuned crossover network and a hand-polished to six levels of depth cabinet constructed of multiple veneers of wood differing density, designed to reduce panel resonance to below audibility – every aspect was been developed to perform at the highest level without consideration of cost.

Wharfedale’s iconic Diamond lineage of high-performance, high-value speakers sparkles brighter than ever with the all-new Diamond 12 Series.

2023 - Introduction of the Dovedale 90th Anniversary Speaker

Wharfedale unveils Heritage flagship Dovedale 90th Anniversary speaker – proudly designed, engineered and made in the UK. Dovedale is their first speaker built at Wharfedale’s UK headquarters in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. A 9,000ft2 production facility has been added to the existing building, including a new anechoic chamber, making a total of 25,000ft2 of office, lab and manufacturing space. It is here that Dovedale is manufactured by highly trained, vastly experienced loudspeaker experts.

The Aura line - The third loudspeaker range to emanate from Wharfedale’s Elysian development project, the Aura Series delivers flagship-level engineering offering various models at prices above the EVO4 Series and below the flagship Elysian speakers.

2024 - Return of the Super Denton

Wharfedale delves deep into its rich history of innovation to deliver another exciting arrival and returning to the model that sparked the Heritage Series more than a decade ago: the compact three-way Super Denton. It also marks the reintroduction of “Super” versions of a select number of models.