Viewing: www.stokesentinel.co.uk

There's plenty of history right here in Stoke-on-Trent

Bookmark
Share

18:00, 18 SEP 2023

Architectural conservationist, ceramicist & artist Danny Callaghan

(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)

As part of the popular annual Heritage Open Days scheme, members of the public have been able to gain access behind closed doors and also learn a little more about the history and heritage that we may take for granted on a daily basis.

This year the scheme has opened the doors of Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, a look at the extensive V&A collection at Wedgwood and walking tours of Fenton, Longport and Hanley.

We took a look inside a project called Shared Stories at a 'secret museum' within Winkhill Mill, Stoke. The exhibition is curated by conservationist, ceramicist and artist, Danny Callaghan alongside Craig Peebles who together have championed the history of tile manufacture in Stoke-on-Trent.

The museum is also home to manufacturers The Firing Line, run by brothers Steve and Richard Wilshaw who still produces dust press tiles on site using 100 year old technology and traditional techniques.

Also as part of the week long series of events, a guided walk leading from Burslem to nearby Middleport, focused on the architecture and buildings created by Absalom Reade Wood.

Following on from 2021's "Exploring A R Wood's Tunstall", this walk included some of Woods's most celebrated architectural works, including Burslem School of Art, the United Reform Church and Middleport Pottery.

The event was co-ordinated by Andy Perkin of the Potteries Heritage Society and led by Sentinel columnist and urbanist, Dave Proudlove.