A historic Stoke-on-Trent museum reopens today following a £283,000 redevelopment, featuring refurbished galleries, upgraded facilities and a new tearoom.
The 18-month transformation of Spode Museum, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, includes the return of the museum’s vast collection of more than 20,000 ceramics, 40,000 engraved copper plates and extensive archive materials – all previously in storage since the Spode factory closed in 2008. The collection, now housed in a repurposed former nightclub, is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Permanent displays have been refreshed, with new exhibitions, improved accessibility and updated interpretation bringing long-hidden artefacts back into public view. Coinciding with the reopening is Spodespiration, an art exhibition by local artist Jon Tatham, whose mixed-media work draws on Spode’s design legacy.
Other improvements include meeting rooms, community spaces and a licensed wedding venue in the restored Blue Room, home to more than 1,000 pieces of historic blue and white transferware. A new ‘Secret Garden’ courtyard provides outdoor café seating and space for performances, featuring a willow tree artwork by ceramicist Paul Scott.
Museum Manager Michael Escolme said: “The Spode Museum Trust has worked hard over the past decade to secure the long-term future of the collection for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and the many thousands around the world who know the Spode name to be a marque of the very finest quality. We’re overjoyed to finally welcome visitors to our new, refurbished space and to keep our museum free for everyone to enjoy.”
The regeneration also brings the launch of The Little Vintage Tea Room, known for its homemade cakes and sister site at the Brampton Museum. The new tearoom, designed by manager Craig E. Scott-Patrick, features a bespoke mosaic counter by artist Philip Hardaker, inspired by Spode’s iconic blue Italian pattern and local café culture.
Owner Gaynor Jones said: “It’s a privilege to be opening the new tea room at Spode Museum. The Spode works has such a rich heritage; it once made up the very fabric of Stoke-on-Trent, employing many people and producing china that is still loved and treasured around the world.
“We look forward to working with local groups, communities and organisations to establish Spode Works as a part of peoples’ daily lives again.”
Craig added: “It is a dream come true to be opening a tearoom at Spode Museum. I cannot wait to welcome our customers old and new and for everyone to enjoy the beautiful spaces that have been created.”
- The busy Spode site is also playing host to free creative workshops as part of a new art project celebrating its heritage and transformation. Spode Museum and ACAVA Studios are teaming up to host The Buddleia Bush Effect, a community art initiative running from 3 May to 13 June. Four artists will lead free workshops starting with experimental charcoal drawing and monoprints on 3 May. The artworks created during the workshops will explore Spode’s changing industrial landscape and local eco-system, culminating in a public exhibition on site from 15 to 30 June.
