Happy Anniversary! Lets celebrate!

This summer sees the 250th anniversary of Wedgwood the company, 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's Origin of the Species and 100th anniversary of the death of Thomas Wardle. To celebrate these major anniversaries there will be a full programme of events from wlaks and talks, exhibitions, festivals, lectures and lively events.

See our website www.visitstoke.co.uk/anniversary for full details.

Did you know?

Josiah Wedgwood is the grandfather of Charles Darwin. Both Charles Darwin and his wife were grandchildren of Josiah Wedgwood.

Charles Darwin married Emma Wedgwood in the church at Maer, a picturesque village near to Stoke-on-Trent. A photograph of Maer Church is on the right.

The new Wedgwood Museum has been voted one of the 4 best national museums in the country by the Art Fund. We are hoping to hear that they are the overall winner in June.

Walks & Talks around Wedgwood's Stoke-on-Trent

Talks at Etruria Hall

A variety of summer walks and talks around Etruria and Burslem with local historians. Starting off at local landmarks providing an insight into the works and life of this famous potter. Full details and how to book can be found by clicking here.

Sunday 31st May Walk at Etruria Canals Festival 1.30pm £3 per person

Tuesday 9th June Walk around Burslem 7pm £3 per person

Thursday 25th June Walk around Etruria 7pm £3 per person

Sunday 26th July Walk around Burslem 2pm £3 per person

To book any of the walks and talks please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01782 236000.

Part of the programme of events includes a series of talks at Josiah Wedgwood's former home Etruria Hall, now part of the 4 star Moat House Hotel. These are being run by local historian Kathy Niblett and provide an insight into the works of this incredible man. There is also the opportunity to attend a full Study Day on Sunday 12th July with knowledgeable guest speakers, a tour of the canal with lunch and refreshments included throughout the day. All for only £35 per person. More details on www.visitstoke.co.uk/anniversary

Other talks:

Tuesday 16th June Etruria Hall 2pm £6 per person

Wednesday 19th August Etruria Hall 11am £6 per person

To book any of the talks please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01782 236000.

Maer Village

Josiah Wedgwood: The Man in the Making

Maer Hall was the home of Josiah Wedgwood II and where Charles Darwin spent a lot of his childhood. It was here in Maer that Darwin wrote the first tentative drafts of what would eventually become "The Origin of Species". To celebrate there is a full programme of events including guided walks around Maer Hall and surrounding countryside, a Victorian supper celebration and Maer's Victorian Fair more information can be found on our website.  

Display of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery's collection of Wedgwood and contemporary pottery with activities and events throughout from 18th July to 22nd November. See website or Potteries Museum website for more details.

British Ceramics Biennial

The British Ceramics Biennial is a prestigious new cultural event that embraces the heritage of the Potteries as the home of British Ceramics. An ambitious and ground-breaking calendar of major exhibitions, innovative public interventions, events and activities from 3rd October to 13th December. The programme will be launched on 15th May see the website for more details.

Celebration of Imagination

2009 is also the year that we celebrate the imagination behind the innovations that defined the Heart of England region. For centuries the Heart of England has been the heart of evolution, revolution, transportation and much more. Visit some of the special events and exhibitions throughout the region by clicking here.