The tilemaking firm of Malkin & Edge were founded in 1866, although Malkin, Edge and Benjamin Cork had a long history of pottery and tile manufacture in Burslem.

By 1882 the partners were Joseph Edge, James Malkin, William Millett Edge, John Wilcox Edge, William Boulton and Samuel Rathbone Edge. 

Samuel Rathbone Edge retired in July 1882, John Wilcox Edge in October 1892, James Malkin in October 1893.

In 1894 Sydney Malkin retired from the earthenware firm of Edge, Malkin & Co., and joined with his brother, Mr. Elijah Malkin, in the firm of Malkin, Edge & Co.

When this company was reconstituted Sydney became managing director of the Malkin Tileworks Company Limited.