Hanley’s ‘Hidden Gem’ now an Accredited Museum

The Dudson Centre, a former working pottery site with an original bottle kiln at its heart, is a vibrant community hub, and home to over 20 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations. It showcases over 200 years of pottery making history in the form of the exquisite Dudson collection and is visited by ceramics enthusiasts, families, and schools, as well as local heritage groups, and international visitors.

The Dudson Centre has, more than once, been described as a “hidden gem” within the heart of the Potteries, and now, as a museum, it has been awarded ‘full accreditation’ from the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme.

Administered by Arts Council England, on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, this award is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries.

For the Dudson Centre, this accreditation means that such an important historical site is properly managed, well-governed to a national industry standard, and shows dedication and commitment to the preservation of the extensive Dudson collection. With artefacts from Jasperware jugs and Staffordshire figures to delicate tea sets and worldwide hospitality wares, the Dudson Collection celebrates two centuries of creativity and innovation. This accreditation demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to keeping the thousands of Dudson items safe and available for future generations to continue to enjoy and explore. Visitors to the Grade II listed site can experience a trip through time, exploring the evolution of Dudson production throughout the lifetime of the family-owned business. Acrossthe Centre, the walls and spaces pay homage to one of the most famous Potteries’ names, and the busy hub from which their wares were shipped all over the world. Visitors can take time to enjoy the displays, or relax with refreshments in the onsite café, overlooking the iconic bottle kiln at the heart of the site.

The former factory was donated to the VCSE sector in Stoke-on-Trent in 1996 and was transformed into the welcoming space it is today, where VAST, as managing tenant, continue to offer an inclusive space for the delivery of essential services alongside the heritage experience.

There’s always warm welcome at the Dudson Centre – whether that’s for a brew and a slice of homemade cake in the café, a day at work, joining in with activities, or for a journey into the past, the Dudson Centre isn’t just an office building, it’s a thriving community where friendship, passion, and collaboration are considered the keys to success!

Upon receiving the award of full accreditation, VAST Chief Executive Lisa Healings said:

“We’re thrilled to have been awarded full accreditation from the UK Accreditation Partnership. To be recognised as an accredited museum and joining over 1,500 others is an honour.”

“While running a museum and heritage centre is not the core activity of VAST, this recognition demonstrates the passion we have for the heritage of the site we are proud to call home. The accreditation will open up funding opportunities to allow us to continue to preserve local history, explore innovative new ways to share the Dudson legacy and provide a communal operating base for VCSE organisations in the city.”

Emmie Kell, Director, Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said:

“We’re delighted that the Dudson Museum has been successful in gaining accreditation status. This means that their Collection will be looked after and maintained, offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”

The Dudson Centre’s bottle oven and Café are open on weekdays from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm for visitors to explore this slice of local history and relax with a hot drink and a bite to eat. Click here to find out more about the Dudson Centre.

To find out more about volunteering at the Dudson Centre, please call 01782 683000 or email volunteering@vast.org.uk. For VCSE organisations interested in office space or meeting room hire please visit our website here or contact info@dudsoncentre.org.uk