Pottery workers' stories wanted for new exhibition

A community hub is on the lookout for former pottery workers to share their memories for a new exhibition celebrating the everyday stories of life at a historic factory.

Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent (VAST) is hosting the event at The Dudson Centre, on Hope Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, as part of the annual Heritage Open Days in September.

Organisers said they hoped to reach people who worked on the site, or those who remembered it while it was in operation, as well as those who worked at the Dudson Centre when it reopened as a community hub.

They are hoping to shares stories of people based on the site from its time as a working factory, right up to the present day.

Manufacturing began in 1810 and closed in 1980, as production moved elsewhere after technology advanced and production methods changed.

The former factory was donated by the Dudson family to the local voluntary sector in 1994, and following a major redevelopment the grade II listed centre was officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.

"Dudson's Hope Street factory played a vital role in Stoke-on-Trent's industrial and social history," said VAST chief executive Lisa Healings.

"By capturing the voices and memories of those who worked here, we can preserve that heritage for future generations and ensure these stories are not lost."

Sir Ian Dudson, a direct descendant of the ceramics firm's founder Richard Dudson and a former Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said the site provided an insight into the social history within pottery businesses in north Staffordshire.

"Pottery owners often lived on site in the early 19th century, and this was certainly true for the early Dudson potters," he said.

"The factories also provided education for children who spent part of their day working and [taking] part in lessons.

"This fostered family involvement over two or more generations and continued throughout the factory's existence."

Anyone who wanted to share a contribution for the exhibition was asked to get in touch with VAST.

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