Ceramica

Ceramica was a museum in Burslem, one of the six towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent. It occupied the old Town Hall building, a structure that once served the local community. The museum focused on the area’s long tradition of pottery making, tracing its development over many years. Displays featured work from well-known manufacturers like Royal Doulton, Moorcroft and Burleigh Pottery. Interactive exhibits and short films explained ceramic techniques and the history of local firms such as Wade Ceramics and Steelite. Funding came from the National Lottery through the Millennium Commission, with a trust managing the site. After visitor numbers fell sharply in 2011, the museum closed and the trust was dissolved. The main building now houses a sixth-form college, while the modern extension has been removed. The Town Hall remains as a reminder of Burslem’s past.