Last updated: 29 July 2023
If you’ve been planning a visit to Stoke-on-Trent, also known as The Potteries, to experience the history of ceramics, then there’s no better time to visit than right now because the city is hosting Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915, an important exhibition of some of the finest Victorian Majolica pottery ever created in the UK and US.
Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915
The Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915 exhibition is currently on display at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery (PMAG) in Stoke-on-Trent until 29 January 2023. The exhibition boasts over 150 pieces of Majolica ceramics, mostly from private American collectors, and has never before been put on public display in the UK.
The World Capital of Ceramics
Stoke-on-Trent, located 45 miles from Manchester in the north of England, is the World Capital of Ceramics and is home to some of the most famous ceramics producers in the world, such as Wedgwood, Burleigh, and Gladstone.
Did you know that Stoke-on-Trent is the only city in Britain to be named after its primary industry, The Potteries? If you’re interested in learning more about The Potteries and what you can expect from a visit then we have a separate post which might be of interest. (spoiler: we loved it!)
With a rich industrial history dating back over 300 years, it makes sense why The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent was selected as the temporary home to display the Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915 exhibition to pottery lovers already visiting The Potteries.
There’s another important reason why The Potteries was selected to display the new exhibition and that’s because the Majolica style of pottery was created and perfected in Stoke-on-Trent! This meant that some of the most intricate and beautifully designed pieces of Majolica pottery came from the Staffordshire potteries.
What is Majolica Pottery?
Majolica pottery can be considered the perfect marriage between art and ceramics whereby semi-translucent lead glazes were created and applied to pottery bodies to create a visual feast of bold colours and designs. This process was created and perfected by Léon Arnoux who worked for Minton & Co and it was at the 1851 London Great Exhibition, held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, where Majolica pottery was unveiled to the world.
It was such an overwhelming success that Minton & Co was awarded an Exhibition Council medal for “New Application & Beauty of Design”
Whilst Minton & Co may have been the premier producer of Majolica pottery, it wasn’t long until other producers were soon creating their own remarkable pieces of this exquisite type of ceramic. The popularity spread overseas and the United States saw local producers creating their own ceramics, often copying English designs and often with the help of former potteries who had traveled from The Potteries to America. Majolica pottery had gone global!
Is Majolica Pottery Valuable?
The short answer is a resounding YES! Ceramic collectors highly value the innovative design process, bold colours, and impressive designs of Majolica pottery, especially the pieces created in Stoke-on-Trent by such companies as Minton, Wedgwood, and George Jones. These pieces can fetch extraordinarily high prices and is a reflection of its popularity.
‘Majolica Mania’ Exhibition Essentials
- Exhibition dates: Saturday 8 October 2022 to Sunday 29 January 2023
- Ticket Price: Adult £5, Concession £3
- Venue: The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
Why Not Extend Your Stay in The Potteries?
If you’re planning a visit to Stoke-on-Trent for the Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915 exhibition then why not extend your stay by a day or two and explore everything that Stoke-on-Trent has to offer – from The Potteries to Museums and the beautiful Trentham Estate, there is so much to see and explore.
Don’t Miss…
When you’re exploring Stoke-on-Trent we recommend visiting the World of Wedgwood where you can explore the Wedgwood Museum, explore the factory, and even get the opportunity to throw your own pot.
Follow your visit to the World of Wedgwood with a visit to the Gladstone Pottery where you can see some of the last remaining bottle ovens, and actually inside one. Learn about the workers, the industry, and industrial heritage on offer.
You can’t miss the Middleport Pottery which has been producing Burleigh pottery for over 130 years supporting the local community. We cannot recommend a visit to these potteries enough so don’t miss out on your trip to Stoke-on-Trent.
Final Thoughts
It’s an exciting opportunity to visit Stoke-on-Trent and explore the Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915 exhibition because it’s the first time that the ornate and beautiful pieces have ever been displayed in public. And whilst you’re in the area then there is no better time to explore The Potteries and everything that Stoke-on-Trent has to offer.
