Preview evening for FORTYSEVEN: The last bottle ovens and kilns of The Potteries

A photographic exhibition by photographer Phil Crow with Keele University and incorporating images from The Warrillow Collection

Chancellors Gallery, Chancellors Building, Keele University
Thursday 20 April 2023 | 6-8pm
Refreshments provided

At the height of the pottery industry, the skyline of Stoke-on-Trent was dominated by thousands of bottle ovens. Before the outbreak of war in 1939, more than 2000 had been documented. The Clean Air Act of 1956 was the beginning of the end for these iconic buildings and by 1964 only 20 were still in use. Currently, 47 bottle shaped structures remain in 27 locations. “The difference in condition is astounding. Some are loved, most are not, but they are all beautiful in their own way.” Celebrating the heritage of The Potteries, this photographic exhibition shows the dark beauty of a bygone industry in a modern world and, thanks to the Warrillow Collection, also depicts a thriving industry back in its heyday.

Image: Acme Marls “The 3 Sisters,” Burslem, by Phil Crow

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