This year marks a significant milestone—100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status. In 1925, King George V awarded this honour in recognition of the city’s global importance as the centre of pottery production, a legacy that continues to shape the industry today. To celebrate this centenary, Burleigh, Emma Bridgewater, and Duchess China are proudly coming together to say: Happy 100 Years, Stoke-on-Trent!
From its early beginnings producing pottery in a rural cottage industry setting, Stoke-on-Trent rose to become a global ceramics powerhouse. The city’s abundance of clay, coal, and skilled artisans led to an explosion of pottery production, with factories replacing small workshops and exporting fine ceramics across the world. By the 18th and 19th centuries the scene was set for the area to gain a reputation as the home of British pottery—a title it still holds today.
For centuries, Stoke-on-Trent has been the beating heart of British ceramics, renowned for its craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to quality. While Burleigh, Emma Bridgewater, and Duchess China each have their own distinct heritage and style, we all share one fundamental value—the ‘All Made Here’ ethos. From handcrafting fine ceramics to preserving time-honoured techniques, our commitment to local production ensures that Stoke-on-Trent remains a world leader in pottery to this day.
As part of the city’s centenary celebrations, we invite you to experience Stoke-on-Trent’s rich ceramic history first-hand. Plan a visit this year and embark on a factory trail through the city, calling into all three ‘Factory Shops’, Burleigh at Middleport, Emma Bridgewater in Hanley, and Duchess China in Longton, receiving a warm welcome throughout. Whether you’re a pottery collector, a heritage enthusiast, or simply looking for a day out steeped in history, there’s no better time to discover the true home of pottery—past, present, and future.