Gladstone Pottery Museum

Gladstone Pottery Museum A welcoming museum which tells the story of the life and work of North Staffordshire potters. We have 4 large 'bottle ovens' and a smaller enamel kiln.
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Gladstone Pottery Museum stands on a site where pottery has been made for hundreds of years in the heart of the area known as the 'Potteries' in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. The museum is a preserved Victorian pottery, saved from demolition by volunteers over 40 years ago. Several of those volunteers are still active on site and are invaluable in helping with site maintenance and events. Later t

he ownership and running of the museum was tranferred from a trust to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Gladstone China was never a household name but the site is important as it is seen as the only complete surviving example of a medium sized factory. As a museum it has been a popular attraction for many years and delights visitors from the local area and all over the world. It features original workshops (where pottery skills are demonstrated), a stable, steam engine (worked by electric), a cobbled courtyard, Victorian Doctor's House, Tile Gallery and Flushed with Pride - a permanent exhibition dedicated to the humble loo! These were used to coal-fire pottery and are some of the 46 which remain of the thousands which once dominated the local skyline.

This week the museum will be open Wednesday 2 Sept 10:00am - 3:00pm and Sunday 6 Sept 11:00am – 4:00pm. Visitors can vis...
31/08/2026

This week the museum will be open Wednesday 2 Sept 10:00am - 3:00pm and Sunday 6 Sept 11:00am – 4:00pm. Visitors can visit our extensive Tile Galley and discover the history of toilets in our Flushed with Pride Gallery.

On 29th August, 1978 a coal burning bottle oven was fired for the very last time. The Final Firing was organised by staf...
29/08/2026

On 29th August, 1978 a coal burning bottle oven was fired for the very last time.

The Final Firing was organised by staff and volunteers from Gladstone and attracted thousands of visitors.

It took place at Hudson and Middleton on Normacot Road, Longton.

David Sekers, Director of Gladstone Pottery Museum and driving force behind the event, described it as "The first time in 20 years, the last time in history."

Happy Potteries Bottle Oven Day!

Our gift shop has a great range of locally made bone China, decorated with designs by Lynn Bentley. Just added to her dr...
27/08/2026

Our gift shop has a great range of locally made bone China, decorated with designs by Lynn Bentley. Just added to her dragonfly range are these bells and baubles for £12 each and mugs at £16 and £18.

Visit our website to view our opening hours or email [email protected] for details about mail order options.

To mark International Dog Day, we’re sharing this picture of a pair of Sealyham terriers you can find in our Tile Galler...
26/08/2026

To mark International Dog Day, we’re sharing this picture of a pair of Sealyham terriers you can find in our Tile Gallery. They’re from a series of dog studies by Cecil Aldin, made in the 1930s by Carter & Co, Poole.

Did you see historian Ruth Goodman finding out more about the Spode dinner plate comissioned for King George IV's corona...
25/08/2026

Did you see historian Ruth Goodman finding out more about the Spode dinner plate comissioned for King George IV's coronation?

This week the museum is open on Weds 26 Aug 10am – 5pm. Children can also have a go at making their own sea creature usi...
24/08/2026

This week the museum is open on Weds 26 Aug 10am – 5pm. Children can also have a go at making their own sea creature using clay and shells to take home.

Drop in 11am – 3pm. £3.50 a go. Normal museum admission charges apply.

Recommended age 7 years and above.

22/08/2026
Our unique Potteries Willow design mug has long been a staple of our souvenir range, and we are delighted to have the de...
20/08/2026

Our unique Potteries Willow design mug has long been a staple of our souvenir range, and we are delighted to have the design now available on an earthenware mug, produced exclusively for us in Longton by Sculpta Ceramics. The mugs are £19.99 each and are also available to mail order, just email [email protected] for more information.

19/08/2026
Next Weds 26 Aug children can using clay and shells make a sea creature to take home. Drop in 11am – 3pm. £3.50 a go. No...
19/08/2026

Next Weds 26 Aug children can using clay and shells make a sea creature to take home.

Drop in 11am – 3pm. £3.50 a go. Normal museum admission charges apply.
Recommended age 7 years and above.

Address

Uttoxeter Road
Longton
ST31PQ

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Website

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