Time to reconnect with our local history
FOR so long we were unable to visit any leisure venues, which included our own Sharpe’s Pottery Museum. Many of you may not know about Sharpe’s Museum or the history of Sharpe’s Pottery but it is something we should be very proud of.
The local charity is situated within a Grade II listed original bottle kiln in Swadlincote and it, together with the substantial attached workshop buildings, are believed to be the oldest surviving sanitary pottery works in the country, or maybe even the world. It is unique for having remained on the same site for 200 years, celebrating that anniversary this year.
Founded by Thomas Sharpe, the pottery started by manufacturing teapots and pie dishes then moved on to ceramic sanitary ware as it became more popular. Then, in 1855, Edmund Sharpe designed and patented the toilet we all use today, which he called the “Wash-down” water closet.
The Clean Air Acts of the 1950s and 1960s, designed to stop the smog the older ones amongst us will remember well, resulted in coalfired kilns becoming redundant and, with insufficient money to invest and modernise, the pottery closed in 1968.
I find it amazing to think something so fundamental as a toilet, used by all of us every day, began its life here in Swadlincote.
But, did you know that traditional blue and cream striped Cornishware were first made in Church Gresley at T. G. Greens and not Cornwall, as the name suggests?
We are also famous for sewer pipes because the high content of aluminium oxide made local clay very suitable for salt glazing, which gave them an almost indestructible finish. The sewer pipes produced here in Swadlincote around 1900 are still in use today in the House of Lords and around the world. It is incredible to think more than 100 years later we still rely on them, something totally unseen and under the ground.
The idea for the museum came because local people wanted to ensure the building and all of our local history remained for future generations to enjoy.
As well as displays of local goods, the museum also hosts community events, offers conference room space, and works with partners within the cultural centre of Swadlincote.
As we start to get back to normal life, Sharpe’s are looking to start a programme of events, exhibitions and workshops including ‘Paint a Pot’ and ‘Clay Play.’
Other events include discovery days, Djembe drumming workshops, unplugged in the kiln, a charity evening, a Halloween ghost-busting tour, fireworks in the kiln, Christmas lights and more.
As well as visitors to enjoy these events, the trustees of the charity which runs Sharpe’s Pottery Museum are seeking sponsors to help fund them because, despite of the money made available by the Government, due to lack of visitors during the pandemic they have a shortfall in funding.
There is a range of sponsorship options which can be discussed by contacting Nicola Lees, the business and development manager, by emailing nicola.lees@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk
I do hope you find the time to visit Sharpe’s and that some of you are able to offer sponsorship to keep our famous building going.
In 1855, Edmund Sharpe designed and patented the toilet we all use today ... I find it amazing to think something so fundamental as toilet, used by all of us every day, began its life here in Swadlincote.
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