Discover over 200 years of pottery produced in Stoke-on-Trent by the oldest surviving family business in the ceramic tableware industry. Explore the original Dudson factory courtyard and enjoy the unique experience of stepping inside the Grade II listed bottle oven to view the collection and to trace the fascinating history of the Dudson company's production from 1800 to the present day. Exhibits range from early Staffordshire Figures, Jasper Ware, Mosaic Ware, "Ebony" Jetware to present day Hotel Ware. There are also thousands of shards excavated on site together with other archive material.
History & Anthropology Industrial heritage Historic house
Dudson Museum The Dudson Centre Hope Street. E-mail: dudsonmuseum@vast.org.uk, Stoke-on-Trent
No exhibitions in Dudson Museum have been found.
Dudson Museum has 2 ratings.
The Dudson Museum in Stoke-on-Trent offers visitors an insight into the history of ceramics and pottery production in the area. Located in a converted Victorian pottery factory, the museum showcases the Dudson family's contribution to the ceramic industry since 1800.
Visitors generally appreciate the well-preserved bottle kiln and the displays of Dudson pottery through the ages. The museum provides a good overview of the pottery-making process and the development of ceramic techniques over time. Many find the historical exhibits informative, particularly those detailing the working conditions of past pottery workers.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored quite quickly. While this makes it a convenient stop for those with limited time, others might find the experience somewhat brief. The museum's focus is quite specific, which appeals to ceramics enthusiasts but may not engage all visitors equally.
The staff are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the visitor experience with their insights. The museum's location within the Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic heritage trail is seen as a positive, allowing visitors to explore other pottery-related sites in the area.
On the downside, some visitors mention that the displays could benefit from updates or more interactive elements to engage younger audiences. The accessibility of the museum has also been a point of concern for some, as the historic building layout may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Overall, the Dudson Museum offers a solid, if compact, exploration of Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic heritage, particularly appealing to those with an interest in pottery history or industrial heritage.
This is what they call a 'hidden gem' and well worth a visit. The museum collection of Dudson pottery is outstanding and beautifully displayed in the funnel oven. Our visit was considerably enhanced by the knowledge and enthusiasm of Kim who runs the Museum. She shared her information appropriately and with great passion; she has clearly done an enormous amount of personal research and listening to her was a real highlight. We will definitely come again and recommend everyone to visit.
Visited on 15 Feb 2022
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