Former Dudson employees are being encouraged to share their memories as part of a new exhibition celebrating life at one of Stoke-on-Trent’s key pottery factories.
Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent (VAST) is looking to connect with people who worked on the site now occupied by The Dudson Centre in Hanley.
Stories of those who worked there, remember it being in operation or who were involved when it later reopened as a community hub will be used for a Heritage Open Days event in September.
The Hope Street factory was open from 1810 until 1980, but production was steadily moved elsewhere as technology advanced and production methods changed. There were only around 100 employees left at the site when it closed.
The former factory was donated by the Dudson family to the local voluntary sector in 1994 and was officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. It is now home to a number of local voluntary sector organisations.
VAST chief executive Lisa Healings said: “Dudson’s Hope Street factory played a vital role in Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial and social history. By capturing the voices and memories of those who worked here, we can preserve that heritage for future generations and ensure those stories are not lost.”
Sir Ian Dudson, a direct descendant of the ceramics company’s founder Richard Dudson, added: “The Hope Street site provides some insight into the social history within pottery businesses.
“Pottery owners often lived on site in the early 19th century, and this was certainly true for the early Dudson potters. The factories also provided education for children who spent part of their day working and part in lessons.
“This fostered family involvement over two or more generations and this continued throughout the factory’s existence. As we hear from former employees, we would also be delighted for them to share memories of other members of their family who worked at the factory.”
Anyone who would like to contribute to the exhibition should contact Faye Angus on 01782 683030, email faye.angus@vast.org.uk or news@vast.org.uk, or send a WhatsApp message to 07418 613961.
