SHARPE'S POTTERY CENTRE

Painting courtesy of Colin Stevens of The Morph Group - Contemporary Artists.
        A

       Potted

       History

'Swadlincote Bridge'
courtesy of Colin Stevens
Morph Group of Contemporary Artists.

Gresley Colliery 1. Courtesy of the Peter M White collection.
Potteries and collieries once dominated the South Derbyshire area, clay and coal often appearing together. Most of the physical remnants of these industries have been swept away.

In the heart of Swadlincote's Conservation Area is a very rare survival of a 19th century pottery works. Sharpe's Pottery was founded in 1821 and closed in 1967. The buildings are Listed Grade II and were on the 'at risk' register. The kiln hovel is of particular interest.



The bottle kiln at Sharpe's Pottery after restoration.
The buildings have now been repaired and converted for use as a visitor and resource centre where the public can investigate the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Phase II Heritage Lottery Grant funding enabled Sharpe's Pottery Centre to open 18 January 2003.

The Sharpe's Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust Ltd has formed a "Friends" organisation that you are invited to join.


Other sites which may be of interest:

Derbyshire Archæological Society
Heritage Lottery Fund