This year really is a special year. It is the 250th anniversary of Wedgwood the Company and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. Did you know that Josiah Wedgwood was Charles Darwin's grandfather? It is also the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's "Origin of the Species" and the 100th anniversary of Thomas Wardle's death who was a leading member of the English silk textile industry. To mark these important celebrations there will be a full programme of events which will include: Darwin 200 at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery until 26th April Discover how Darwin's theories changed our thinking about ourselves and the world. 1759 Festival at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre on 1st - 4th May Step back in time when the Visitor Centre is taken back to 1759 with maypole dancing, 18th century costumes and have a go activities. Etruria Canal Festival at the Etruria Industrial Museum 30th and 31st May 2009 Josiah Wedgwood was a key funder of the canal network. Wedgwood exhibition - "Josiah, Man in the Making" at Potteries Museum & Art Gallery from 18th July to 22nd November Display of the Museum's collection of Wedgwood with activities and events throughout. British Ceramics Biennial at various venues throughout Stoke-on-Trent from 3rd October to 13th December 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 run throughout 2009. Click on www.britishceramicsbiennial.com for more information. These are just some of the highlights of what will be happening this year. There will also be a full programme of events for the summer - just keep a look out on the website. All events are subject to change please check before travelling. |
