Wedgwood field trip



We are very lucky to live about a ten minute walk from the Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston. I've visited there throughout my childhood. My mum used to work in the refreshment area so I have happy memories of rushing there to see her after school and sneaking a look around the demonstration area. The trade shows that were held there every year used to really inspire me. I remember seeing a pattern there and knowing that was the dinner set I wanted when I got my own house. Of course tastes change and after I moved in I didn't really like the set as much as I thought I did all those years before....after my mum had collected it for many years *blush* sorry mum!

So on our day together we weren't sure where to go. Many of the local museums have exhibitions on, but none of them were exciting enough for my big girl. When I mentioned this on my facebook page I had loads of replies, one of which was my friend Emma. She works in the education department in the Wedgwood museum and was thrilled that we were to visit them the next day. She arranged for us to be met at the main desk and had sorted out a trail for us to do around the museum. We felt like royalty! It was a Tuesday too which meant we had pretty much the whole place to ourselves.

The first thing we did was get ourselves comfy in the front row of the cinema. There was only us there so we could freely chat over the film. It was all about Josiah Wedgwood and how he set up his famous factory. Right from his very beginnings until they aquired the site at Barlaston. It also talked about local history and what part the local mills and canals played in his grand scheme. It was really interesting and although a lot of it came flooding back to me after a while, my big girl was seeing it through fresh eyes and that was great :)

After that was a spot of lunch and cake....

Then we went into the museum. We spent a good couple of hours going around and looking at the exhibition. There were some really old pieces from the 1800's which were amazing to see. Its something special that they can be kept together and put on display. I know that funding has been an issue for the museum in the past so I hope they get to hold onto these important pieces of history for a few years yet. We did the trail, which asked lots of questions about Josiahs family and the history of the factory. There were family portraits to look at and all kind of names to find out. Some were a little tricky but we did our best. There was even a chance to have a digital portrait done in the style of a cameo. You can download these online but I'm having a few issues accessing them. I'll try and edit this once its sorted.



Then we went into the demonstration area. She'd been itching to have a go at throwing a pot since we arrived there. This was her big chance and she did really well. The look of concentration on her face says it all! The potter helped her to get the clay centred first. Then he showed how you manipulate the clay into a cylindrical shape before pinching the top into a vase shape. Once its been fired it'll be put in the post. We should recieve it in a couple of weeks where it will take pride of place in our living room.

Another great 'day off' with my biggest girl. Great fun at a top museum (Oh and free entry for home edders *shhh*!)