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New Heritage group on track to lead culture-led regeneration

Formed less than twelve months ago, Potteries heritage group The Teapot Factory CIC is already attracting new members due to its unique approach to heritage conservation.

Director Simon Davies said, “The Trent and Mersey Canal was one of the most important developments of the industrial revolution; linking Stoke to the East and West coast, it massively scaled up the ceramics industry.”

He added, “Most of our industrial sites have disappeared and the remaining ones are in an extremely vulnerable state. Our group aims to bring new life to them and lead the push for culture-led regeneration in the area. If we lose our heritage, we lose our identity.”

To support the work of The Teapot Factory, Simon has organised numerous Teapot Tours which have successfully brought together local business people, charity leaders, creatives, artists and academics.

“The aim of the Teapot Tours is to celebrate the collective heritage of The Potteries, to bring people together and to share ideas on how we can repurpose our built environment through social engagement.”

 

Simon’s vision was initially inspired by the genius of North Staffordshire men Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley. He then took inspiration from visits to Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, Birmingham’s Custard Factory and Manchester’s Freight Island.

“The passion that I experienced when I visited these heritage developments, seeing how areas of neglect could be turned into thriving community-led projects, totally inspired me to do the same for Stoke-on-Trent. Our rich heritage is an incredible asset and rather than neglect our buildings we must use them to enrich our social, cultural and creative legacy.”

Visit The Teapot Factory website and get involved, join the mailing list and discover upcoming events for 2025.

Simon Davies will be speaking at our Place of Heritage and Culture Ambassador’ event on 16th January 2025 at Leek’s recently refurbished Trestle Market Hall. Book your place here.

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