Throw Down pieces celebrating Stoke-on-Trent to go on display at Gladstone Pottery Museum

Eye-catching ceramics crafted by the potters in episode seven of The Great Pottery Throw Down (Sunday, 16 February) are to go on display at the historic Gladstone Pottery Museum.

The museum – which threw open its doors early this year as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations – will host the special exhibition from Wednesday, 5 March.

To mark the city’s 100th anniversary, The Great Pottery Throw Down challenged the potters to design and create bird baths that honour the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent. Each piece reflects the area’s rich industrial heritage, vibrant green spaces and historic waterways.

The six bird baths will be showcased as part of Gladstone Pottery Museum’s standard entry offer, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see these creative tributes up close.

Alongside the Throw Down display, visitors can explore the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the era when coal-fired ovens produced the world’s finest bone china.

The museum offers a fascinating insight into the city’s renowned ceramics industry, which earned Stoke-on-Trent its title as The Potteries.

Visitors can also enjoy live demonstrations and observe traditional pottery skills in action. And they can try their hand at throwing a pot, crafting a delicate bone china flower, or decorating their own ceramic piece for a unique souvenir (available for a small extra charge).

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Gladstone Pottery Museum is a real gem in our city’s cultural heritage. It’s fantastic that, alongside our extended opening, we’ve been able to secure this special display from The Great Pottery Throw Down.

“The show is a wonderful celebration of Stoke-on-Trent’s proud ceramics history - the craft and industry that made us famous worldwide and earned us city status in 1925.

“If you’ve never visited before, 2025 is the perfect time to support our local attractions and discover the incredible heritage we have on our doorstep.”

For information on opening times and admission to the museum go to https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm