‘VITAL FUNDING WILL ENABLE US TO CONTINUE...’
Pottery gets £246k in Government scheme
A STOKE-ON-TRENT pottery has received nearly a quarter-of-a-million pounds from the Government to face challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure its future.
W Moorcroft, in Burslem, is one of 588 organisations across the country to have been given access to a £1.57billion ‘Culture Recovery Fund’.
The pottery has been awarded £246,000.
Moorcroft is England’s oldest surviving commercial art and crafts pottery, with the first pieces created in 1897 by William Moorcroft.
In 1913, a state of the art singlestorey factory was built on Sandbach Road, the first of its kind in Stoke-onTrent, and this original factory is where Moorcroft is still made today.
Moorcroft managing director Elise Adams said: “Everyone at Moorcroft is thrilled by the support Arts Council England have given us during the difficult time in which we all find ourselves, keeping England’s vibrant visual arts sector alive as we battle against Covid-19.
“This vital funding will enable our historic company to continue our cultural activity programme ensuring Moorcroft’s long-term survival.”
“We greatly look forward to safely welcoming visitors from around the world back into our factory in March 2021 when guided tours recommence, again proudly showcasing how a piece of Moorcroft fine art pottery is made by hand, just as each piece has been for over 123 years.
“In the meantime, we will be enhancing our cultural offerings on our website and on social media and expanding our cultural activity
programme with current partners the RSPB and RHS, and working with new partnerships including Tusk, whose Royal Patron is HRH Duke of Cambridge.”
The factory houses a Heritage Visitor Centre and Museum, showcasing pieces from 1897 to the present day and entrance is free, enabling a wide audience to access the nationallysignificant visual arts collection.
Once, Stoke-on-trent had more than 2,000 bottle kilns but today only 47 remain. Moorcroft’s Grade Ii-listed kiln, built in 1919, is the only updraught kiln in the country.
To learn more about Moorcroft visit www. Moorcroft.com