
The Last Bottle Ovens and Kilns of The Potteries
An exhibition by photographer Phil Crow with Keele University and incorporating images from The Warrillow Collection held in Keele University Library’s special collections






exhibition dates
21 April – 21 May 2023
Keele University Chancellors Gallery, Chancellors Building
27 May – 30 July 2023
Gladstone Pottery
18 August – 17 September 2023
Middleport Pottery in the hovel of the Bottle Oven
At the height of the pottery industry, the skyline of Stoke-on-Trent was dominated by thousands of bottle ovens.
Before the outbreak of war in 1939, more than 2000 had been documented.
The Clean Air Act of 1956 was the beginning of the end for these iconic buildings and by 1964 only 20 were still operable.
Currently, 47 bottle shaped structures remain in 27 locations.
“The difference in condition is astounding. Some are loved, most are not, but they are all beautiful in their own way.”
A photographic exhibition that celebrates the heritage of The Potteries.
This exhibition shows the dark beauty of a bygone industry in a modern world and,
thanks to the Warrillow Collection, also depicts a thriving industry back in its heyday.

ON PRE ORDER!
FORTYSEVEN: The Last Bottle Ovens and Kilns of The Potteries
A new photographic book to accompany the exhibition with additional images showing more details documenting the remaining ovens and kilns.
Currently available on pre order and then shipped from 3 April, this first edition is on a limited run of 100 copies