Life-size reproductions of paintings from the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery’s collection have gone on display in a new outdoor exhibition in Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre.
The Past Times exhibition in Hanley’s Bethesda Gardens explores everyday life across the generations through schemes of work, family life and leisure,
Among the highlights is a life-size portrait of Josiah Spode II, the son of Spode pottery’s founder., and who is credited with leading the development of bone china.
Visitors can also discover works by renowned British and Irish artists John Currie, Roderic O’Conor and Ethel Gabain, alongside paintings by Stoke-on-Trent artist June Burnett.
The exhibition reuses specifically designed display structures created for the National Gallery’s successful Art on Your Doorstep exhibition which made its UK debut in Hanley last year.
It also provides access to artworks from the museum’s collection while the art gallery is temporarily closed for essential building works as part of its multi-million-pound transformation.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The National Gallery exhibition showed how well art can work in public spaces, so it’s fantastic to see these display structures being used again to showcase highlights from our own collection.
“Whether you’re passing through the city centre, taking a break in Bethesda Gardens or making a special trip, Past Times offers the chance to discover some fantastic artworks in a different setting.
“The life-size prints bring people closer to the paintings and tell stories of everyday life that still resonate today.
“It’s another great way of bringing art into everyday spaces and encouraging more people to discover the museum’s collection.”
The free Past Times exhibition is open in Bethesda Gardens until 31 January 2027.
