Located in Stoke-on-Trent, Gladstone Pottery Museum (see Figure 1) tells the story of the city’s long history with pottery. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a part of Stoke’s identity. In addition, the museum shows how pottery has shaped the local culture for generations.
A Peek into Stoke-on-Trent’s History at Gladstone Pottery Museum
The museum is in a Victorian pottery factory that operated for more than 100 years. It’s a great place to see what life was like for workers in the pottery industry (see Figure 2). Additionally, you can walk through the factory and explore the tools, machines, and techniques used to make the pottery that made the city famous (see Figures 3 & 4).
Gladstone’s Bottle Ovens: A Historic Landmark
One of the main attractions at the museum is the bottle ovens (see Figures 5 & 6), which were once a key feature in Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery production. These large kilns were used to fire the pottery and were a familiar part of the city’s skyline. Now, you can visit these historic ovens and learn how the Victorians made pottery.
Get Hands-On at Gladstone Pottery Museum
Gladstone offers visitors an interactive experience. For example, you can try pottery-making by throwing clay on a wheel or decorating your pottery (see Figures 7 & 8). It’s a great way to connect with the craft that has been so important to Stoke-on-Trent.
Gladstone Pottery Museum: The Set of “The Great Pottery Throw Down”
In addition to its rich history, Gladstone Pottery Museum (see Figures 9 & 10) is also known for being the filming location of the popular Channel 4 show The Great Pottery Throw Down. The show celebrates pottery-making and invites contestants to showcase their skills, bringing more attention to the museum and the art form.
Preserving the Craft for the Future
While many pottery factories in Stoke-on-Trent have closed, the Gladstone Pottery Museum continues to work hard to preserve the history and skills of the pottery trade (see Figures 11 & 12). In doing so, the museum keeps these traditions alive and ensures that future generations will remember and appreciate this essential part of the city’s identity.
Why Visit Gladstone Pottery Museum?
Gladstone Pottery Museum is not just a place to learn about the past (see Figure 13)—it’s also a place to connect with the culture of Stoke-on-Trent. Whether you’re looking to explore its rich history or trying your hand at pottery-making, visiting the museum (see Figure 14) will deepen your understanding of how pottery has shaped the city’s identity.
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