The Gladstone Pottery Museum is a unique working museum that showcases a medium-sized coal-fired pottery. This type of pottery was common in the North Staffordshire area of England from the time of the industrial revolution in the 18th century to the mid 20th century. Visitors can experience the historical and cultural significance of this industry and its impact on the region.
The Gladstone Pottery Museum is situated in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. It is a grade II* listed building, indicating its historical and architectural importance. The museum's location and status make it a significant site for those interested in the history and heritage of the region.
Visitors to the Gladstone Pottery Museum have the opportunity to explore the bottle kilns and the main ancillary rooms such as the engine house, the slip room, and the saggar making workshop. The museum provides a comprehensive view of working with clay, including hands-on displays of throwing, moulding, and decorating. This interactive experience offers a unique insight into the pottery-making process.
Specialized & Alternative History & Anthropology Industrial heritage Historic house Profession & Craft
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Uttoxeter Road, Stoke-on-Trent
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Gladstone Pottery Museum has 2 ratings.
The Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent offers visitors an authentic look into the industrial heritage of the Potteries. Set in a preserved Victorian pottery factory, the museum provides a comprehensive experience of the area's famous ceramic industry. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained bottle kilns and the opportunity to see demonstrations of traditional pottery-making techniques. The museum's interactive exhibits, including the chance to try throwing a pot, are particularly popular among guests. Many reviewers commend the knowledgeable and friendly staff who enhance the experience with their insights. The museum also receives praise for its attention to the social history of pottery workers, including the harsh working conditions they faced. Some visitors note that certain areas of the museum could benefit from updating or expansion. A few mention that the experience might be less engaging for very young children. Despite these minor points, the majority of visitors find the museum educational, engaging, and well worth the visit for anyone interested in industrial history or ceramics.
We spent much longer than we’d intended at Gladstone because there is such variety of interesting things. Best of all was the chance to watch people demonstrating ceramics processes and to ask them questions. Also interesting was the vivid picture of the grim smoky world of the bottle-kiln era and the lives of the workers. Some beautiful ceramics items on display, not least in the tile gallery. The toilet gallery includes some genuinely thought-provoking exhibits. And we got excellent Staffordshire oatcakes in the café.
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