In the hovel of the Bottle Oven, Port St, Burslem, Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3PE
From 18 August to 17 September 2023
FORTYSEVEN: The Last Bottle Ovens and Kilns of The Potteries
An exhibition by photographer Phil Crow.
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.”
Celebrating the heritage of The Potteries, this photographic exhibition shows the dark beauty of a bygone industry in a modern world and, thanks to Keele University’s Warrillow Collection, also depicts a thriving industry back in its heyday.
Up to date information can be found at www.philcrow.com or @philcrowphoto on social media platforms