Founded in 1932 by Gilbert Briggs in Yorkshire's Wharfedale valley, the company became one of Britain's leading manufacturers of high-end speakers. Innovations under Briggs included the two-way loudspeaker and ceramic magnet. Sold to Rank Organisation in 1958, later acquired by International Audio Group (IAG) in 1997. Now part of IAG's portfolio alongside QUAD, Mission, and other British heritage brands. Design and engineering teams remain in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, while manufacturing occurs in China. In 2023, announced first UK-made loudspeaker in over 40 years with the Wharfedale Dovedale.