Reg.Nr. HA-2015/UK/03

Middleport Pottery, Burslem

Middleport Pottery is located in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, at the heart of the British ceramics industry. In 2010 closure threatened, jeopardising 50 jobs, traditional skills, historic processes and unique collections of ceramics moulds and archives. So great was the cost of ...
Read more

Project details

Title:Middleport Pottery, Burslem
Entr. year: 2015
Result:Award
Country: United Kingdom
Town: Burslem, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire (England)
Category type: building conservation
Building type/ Project type: industrial heritage
Former use:Production of earthenware pottery
Actual use:Production of earthenware pottery, gallery, educational and teaching space, visitor cafè
Built: 1888
Architect / Proj.leader: The Prince's Regeneration Trust
The Jury's citation: "The Jury were gratified to be able to recognise the rescue of this fine unit of production - both the industrial premises and its delightful product. Many such worthwhile ventures fall by the wayside through the absence of a new sponsor, and that is where the Prince's Regeneration Trust deserve thanks for facilitating the continuation in production of this attractive range of earthenware pottery.The factory too now has a secure future as one of the last surviving traditional potteries in the West Midlands of England, known as "The Potteries" and once characterised by its factory chimneys and distinctive bottle kilns. The techniques and skills of production have been revitalised and buildings and machinery carefully conserved to retain their unique atmosphere and spirit of place.
GPS:53°2'24,5" N; 2°12'30,9" W
Web, Links:

www.princes-regeneration.org

Description:
Middleport Pottery is located in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, at the heart of the British ceramics industry. In 2010 closure threatened, jeopardising 50 jobs, traditional skills, historic processes and unique collections of ceramics moulds and archives. So great was the cost of repairing the buildings that the site had no viable operational future. The Prince's Regeneration Trust (PRT) provided the solution, purchasing the site, undertaking a €11.3 million programme of repairs and with a tenant, Denby Holdings Ltd, retaining the operational pottery. The Trust's conservation philosophy, informing the Management Plan and the architects Fielden Clegg Bradley's delivery, involved minimal intervention, use of original materials and traditional craft skills unless health and safety or operational imperatives determined otherwise. Project achievements include increased employment; 9 workspaces for new tenants; cultural and visitor facilities and a sustainable future for this large historic industrial site.