The Wells Fireworks Company, established in 1837, played a significant role in the public sale and production of fireworks in the United Kingdom. Originating from a family of Thames lightermen—workers who transported cargo along the River Thames—the Wells family initially engaged in gas lighting displays before transitioning into pyrotechnics.

During World War I, Joseph Wells, who later became managing director, was involved in military production through the family business. It was during this period that he met Maud, a government munitions inspector; the couple married and had four sons, including Alan Wells. Between the world wars, the company expanded both domestically and internationally, gaining a reputation as one of the leading fireworks manufacturers alongside Brocks, Standard, and Pains.

A notable chapter in the company's history occurred in the late 1930s, when under a joint marketing arrangement, Wells produced a range of Mickey Mouse-branded fireworks for Bonfire Night. This initiative, introduced by Joseph’s brother Bernard, also led to the company's involvement in providing fireworks for Walt Disney parks.

During World War II, Joseph Wells raised a Home Guard Company and was honored with an MBE for his service. The company’s factory contributed to wartime efforts by producing pyrotechnic effects reportedly used by General Bernard Montgomery in North Africa to mislead Axis forces about Allied troop positions.

After the war, Wells Fireworks opened a new factory in Dartford, Kent, in the early 1950s. However, this facility suffered severe flooding during the Great Flood of 1953, with waters reaching 14 feet deep. The floods caused significant damage, including the destruction of all fireworks stock intended for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation celebrations due to explosions in the magazines.

Following the disaster, other family-run firework companies assisted Wells in supplying replacement stock. Joseph Wells and his team successfully delivered the fireworks display for the Coronation. The family's involvement with major national celebrations continued decades later when Alan Wells and his son Peter orchestrated the firework show for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Throughout its history, Wells Fireworks remained an influential figure in the British pyrotechnics industry, contributing to both public entertainment and wartime efforts while maintaining strong family leadership across generations.