Middleport Magic
Now is the perfect time to visit the Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, not only will you be able to buy some wonderful cups, plates, dishes etc in the factory shop but you will also be able to see the Weeping Window sculpture commemorating the lives lost in the First World War. It is an amazing cascade of ceramic poppies tumbling out of the historic bottle kiln at the pottery. This will be located at the pottery until 16th September 2018 before moving on to its final presentation at the Imperial War Museum in London.
 |
| Weeping Window, sculpture of poppies |
Middleport Pottery has been operating since 1889 and during the First World War demand for the ceramics goods made in the area greatly increased. These included tableware for hospitals, homes and the military; propaganda-ware, including small ceramic tanks and battleships; plates with patriotic designs or messages on them; and ceramics to mark both the early stages of the war and the Armistice at the end. This is therefore a fitting place for the Weeping Window to be presented.
 |
| Ceramic poppies |
After seeing the sculpture take a moment to read the commemorations made by the public nearby. There are poppy gifts to purchase too, including packets of Flanders poppy seeds.
There are also factory tours available too to see how Burleigh pottery is made using traditional craftmanship. It is fascinating to see the hundreds of moulds used for different designs.
 |
| Pottery moulds |
 |
| Mould for a ceramic jug |
 |
| Bottle kiln and workers |
 |
| Teapot mould |
Other artisan work can be seen in the Middleport Studios, including ceramics, jewellery, photography, pine furniture and, of course, pottery. The Prince of Wales Studios showcase pottery done by students learning the traditional crafts and a good selection of work is available for sale, including some seconds at excellent prices.
There is also the Burleigh shop to temp you with the current collections upstairs and factory shop seconds and third quality items on the ground floor.
 |
| Burleigh factory shop |
 |
| Teapot light fitting |
 |
| Calico mugs on display |
 |
| Calico design |
 |
| Burleigh shop |
Middleport Pottery is located alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal so you might see canal boats passing by while you enjoy a cuppa in the Tea Room.
It would be easy to spend a couple of hours here soaking up the tradition, history and, possibly, adding to your Burleigh collection!
Comments
Post a Comment