Information from The Dudson Centre and Museum
Heritage Open Days 2025 - 'Donation of a Legacy'
Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE opened the exhibition ‘Donation of a Legacy’, and the centre also welcomed visitors including David Morrey from Hulme Upright, architects for the restoration, former VAST staff and trustees and William Houghton, who was Head Mould Maker at Dudson’s, as well as being a caretaker for the Hope Street building following the closure of the factory.
VAST Chief Executive Lisa Healings said:
“The Dudson Centre now provides modern office space and facilities for the voluntary sector, all sited around this impressive, beautifully restored, former factory and Grade II listed bottle oven.”
“The theme for this year’s Heritage Open Days is architecture, and we felt it was a great opportunity to dig out some of the architect’s drawings, models and concept designs to represent the transformation from former pottery factory to community resource and heritage centre and base for the voluntary community and social enterprise sector locally.”
The Dudson family operated the factory in Hope Street from the early nineteenth century until 1980 when it closed, although they continued ceramic production in Tunstall and Burslem until 2019.
Thanks to the generosity of the Dudson family and the dedication of a group of ambitious individuals, the original factory site began its transformation in 1996 and was completed and opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1999.
To find out more about the restoration of the iconic Dudson site, visit the Dudson Centre and discover the rich history for yourself!
