Historic Film Screening to bring Burslem’s Pottery Heritage to Life
As part of Stoke-on-Trent’s 2025 Centenary celebrations, a special FREE film screening of The Hands of the Potter will take place at The Old Post Office, Wedgwood Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4JH on Saturday 5th April 2025 at 2pm, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the craftsmanship that defined the Potteries.
Originally filmed in 1946 by skilled amateur film maker, Charles Chislett, for the Church Pastoral Aid Society – The Hands of the Potter tells the story of Wood & Sons – one of Burslem’s most renowned pottery manufacturers.
This restored silent film captures the age-old pottery-making techniques of post-war Stoke-on-Trent and features real workers from local Wood & Sons factories, many of whom were part of the Middleport and Burslem communities.
The event is hosted by Ray Johnson, Director of the Staffordshire Film Archive, who has carefully edited the original silent film and set it to music, enhancing its storytelling for a modern audience. There will also be a slideshow set to music showing old photographs taken at Wood & Sons potteries.
(Image Staffordshire Film Archive)
This screening invites local residents, ex-workers and the community of Stoke-on-Trent to come along and see if they can identify family members, friends, or ex-colleagues in this remarkable glimpse into Burslem’s industrial past.
Attendees will then have the chance to contribute their own stories, memories, or historical insights after the film showing.
These contributions may be filmed, written or recorded and included in a second screening, hosted by Ray Johnson and the Burslem History Club on Wednesday, 14th May 2025 at 7pm.
Commenting on the special event, Ray Johnson said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s 100-year history, reconnect with Burslem’s rich pottery heritage, and honour the people who shaped it. The screening of The Hands of the Potter not only offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship of our past but also invites the community to share their own stories and memories, making it a truly collaborative celebration of our local history.”
For further information about the event and the latest details, please visit the Facebook event here:- https://www.facebook.com/events/3905158016479618
The event is also listed on the Stoke-on-Trent centenary website here: https://sot100.org.uk/events/event/69/the-hands-of-the-potter-film-showing
