Photography and model-making exhibition to explore iconic bottle ovens and industrial heritage of Stoke-on-Trent
A special exhibition will be taking place in Burslem to mark Potteries Bottle Oven Day 2026.
Barewall Art Gallery are to host the exhibition which will celebrate the rich industrial heritage of the Potteries through the work of photographer Phil Crow and model maker Chris Twigg.
The exhibition will take place in the Barewall Art Gallery Studio space on Saturday 29th August 2026, from 10am to 3pm, inviting visitors to discover the fascinating story of the Potteries’ iconic bottle ovens and bottle kilns through photography, craftsmanship and storytelling.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the chance to watch artist Chris Twigg create live paintings, offering a unique insight into his creative process as new works develop during the exhibition. Phil Crow will also be setting up a pop-up studio to take portraits of visitors, styled as a nod to Arthur Berry’s work.
(Images by Barewell Art Gallery)
The event will feature a range of activities and displays, including:
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Photography exhibitions capturing the character and heritage of bottle ovens
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A pop-up artist studio
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Handcrafted bottle oven models
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Live demonstrations
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The opportunity to meet the artists and hear more about their projects
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Original prints, books, models and other items available to purchase
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Refreshments available throughout the day
Amanda Bromley, Founder and Owner of Barewall Art Gallery, said: “Barewall is proud to be part of Burslem’s ongoing story and to celebrate the incredible industrial heritage that has shaped this area. Bottle ovens are such an important symbol of the Potteries – they represent generations of skill, craftsmanship and innovation.
“We are delighted to welcome Phil and Chris to Barewall Art Gallery and to showcase their unique approaches to capturing and preserving this heritage on this special day. Through photography and model making, they offer visitors a chance to see these iconic structures in a new way and appreciate the stories behind them.”
Chris Twigg, Director of Tatterstack, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be part of this year’s Potteries Bottle Oven Day, a wonderful celebration of Stoke-on-Trent’s rich industrial and creative heritage. My work is inspired by the stories, character and resilience of the Potteries, and it’s a privilege to share it in this setting. I hope visitors enjoy exploring the exhibition and discovering new connections between our area’s remarkable past and its vibrant creative present.”
Professional photographer Phil Crow said: “My family owned a potbank many years ago, and I’ve been photographing the last remaining bottle ovens for quite some time. It’s a pleasure to be part of Potteries Bottle Oven Day, and I hope our exhibition at Barewall encourages visitors to look at these remarkable buildings with fresh eyes, appreciate their significance, and celebrate the communities whose lives they shaped.”
The exhibition will be open to visitors at:
Barewall Art Gallery Studio Space, 2-4 Market Place, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4AT
