The Staffordshire Potteries is regarded widely (and we agree) as the world's home of ceramic industry. Wedgwood Most famous, perhaps, is Wedgwood, originally based at Etruria (a stone's throw from the hotel) and now at its purpose built industrial village beside Barlaston (approximately three miles from the hotel). At the magnificent Visitor Centre you can see craftsmen and women at work, view Wedgwood's treasures and learn about its history, which dates from 1789. Spode Visitor Centre Josiah Spode opened his pottery in the early 1760's and founded a tradition of excellence that exists to the present. The oldest pottery company in England to be still operating from its original site, Spode is famed for its fine bone china. Particularly known for its classic Blue Italian china, Spode is also highly important in the area of hand painted work, such as this vase from the late 18th Century, painted by F. Adams. The Spode Visitor Centre offers factory shop, museum, restaurant and regular factory tours. The Gladstone Pottery Museum The "living" museum of pottery, the Gladstone, is a must for visitors. With a great deal of the original pottery buildings remaining, including the bottle kilns, you can get a real feel for the potteries of yesteryear. You can also normally see fascinating demonstrations of the potter's art and, sometimes, have a go yourself. Among the other potteries you may choose to visit are Aynsley, Minton, Portmeirion (historically famous for their under-bed pots!), Royal Worcester and Brierley, Royal Grafton, Royal Stafford, Beswick (known for Toby Jugs and Beatrix Potter characters), and Moorcroft. Other manufacturers The Potteries has a multitude of smaller potters, some well known, such as Moorcroft and others newer, yet equally collectable, like Lorna Bailey, whose art deco style is becoming enthused about throughout the world (and providing an investment opportunity). Ask at the Borough Arms reception for ideas.