Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:24:01 +0100Stoke Museumshttp://www.stokemuseums.org.ukThu, 02 Sep 2010 22:24:01 +0100Orangeleaf Systems Ltd SiteSync 6en-gbhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001826.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001826.htmlCome and have fun discovering our wonderful collections at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery! Parents and children can make a ‘crafty’ creation to take home. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001836.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001836.htmlSaturday 25 and Sunday 26 September Come and see our resident blacksmith, Charis Jones, at work. Normal admission applies, 12 – 4.30pm. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/events/001435.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/events/001435.htmlBring a picnic and enjoy The Uttoxeter Town Brass Band, performing at Ford Green Hall 1 - 4pm. Free outdoor event, normal admission applies to the hall.http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001829.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001829.htmlSee a flypast by the Dakota transport plane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and military vehicles from North Staffs Military Vehicle Association Listen to ‘The Forces Sweethearts’ the West End Girls as they sing the best loved songs of thehttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001835.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001835.htmlSaturday 18 and Sunday 19 September Come and see our resident blacksmith, Charis Jones, at work. Normal admission applies, 12 – 4.30pm. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001834.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001834.htmlGuided walks: ‘Historic Etruria’ 12 - 1.30pm Free. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/events/001439.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/events/001439.html Sun 12 September, 2pm Guided walk of Longton, umbrella, sensible footwear and small binoculars recommended. 2pm. Free but booking essential. Call 01782 237777. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001828.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001828.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/events/001830.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/events/001830.htmlExplore and discover inspiring places, spaces, architecture, history and culture throughout Stoke-on-Trent with Heritage Open Days From 9 to 12 September, 2010http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/events/001831.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/events/001831.htmlExplore and discover inspiring places, spaces, architecture, history and culture throughout Stoke-on-Trent with Heritage Open Days From 9 to 12 September, 2010http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001832.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001832.htmlExplore and discover inspiring places, spaces, architecture, history and culture throughout Stoke-on-Trent with Heritage Open Days From 9 to 12 September, 2010http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/000983.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/000983.htmlFortnightly. Saturday morning art and craft for  8 - 14 year olds, 10.30am - 12.30pm £2.60 each or £10 for four sessions. Limited numbers, please book in advance.     http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/events/001213.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/events/001213.htmlLearn about the art of flower making and produce your own china blooms to take home, 1.30 - 3.30pm. £7.50per person per session including museum admission.http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001353.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001353.htmlSaturday 4 and Sunday 5 September Experience the sights and sounds of Victorian  engineering in the heart of the Potteries. Steamings on the hour. Normal admission applies. 1 - 4.30pm http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001618.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001618.htmlStart digging out your antiques and valuables for a special Valuation Day at Etruria Industrial Museumhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001816.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001816.htmlFree Canal Craft Activities with British Waterways http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001833.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001833.htmlExposing Art is a series of talks and workshops that will help people understand more about modern and contemporary art.http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001756.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/events/001756.htmlMake an Ozzie Owl with flapping wings. All activities 10.30am - 12.30pm, 1.15 - 4pm, £1. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001802.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001802.htmlContemporary Glass. 21 August -31 October. A new display in the Changing Fashions gallery showcasing work by local artists selected for the 2010 British Glass Biennale in Stourbridge. Part of the International Festival of Glass.http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/press/001812.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/press/001812.htmlNew Staffordshire Hoard artefacts show breadth of breath-taking collection Nineteen new artefacts from the largest and most valuable collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found will today (Friday) go on public display for the first time. Delicate filigree snakes, sword hilt collars, a silver sword pommel, helmet fragments and the possible inlay decoration from a drinking horn will be displayed at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. The artefacts will sit alongside other breath-taking treasures from the Staffordshire Hoard, taking the number of 1,400-year-old gold and silver objects on display at the museum to 80. Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for leisure and culture councillor Hazel Lyth said: “These new items demonstrate the scope of this incredible collection. We have finely designed filigree gold hilt collars from ancient swords; a gold mount featuring the shape of a bird’s head; and a forked fragment of gold with a hinge on the rear. We are still learning what many of these items are, why they were made and what they were used for. “But we want as many people as possible to view these entirely unique treasures, to experience these marvels and share in the wonder of how they became buried in Staffordshire soil all those centuries ago. “This is the first time these items will have been seen in public since the six and seventh centuries. It is a remarkable opportunity to view a unique piece of history.” The new artefacts will sit alongside signature items from the collection at the museum including a gold strip with a biblical inscription, gold crosses and a dazzlingly detailed horse’s head. The new treasures will also act as a catalyst to kick-start a campaign to raise money to conserve and research the Staffordshire Hoard. One of the options being considered is to create a trail that would link up the ancient kingdom of Mercia, to tell the story of the collection across the region. Councillor Lyth said: “We need £1.7 million in order to understand and conserve these treasures. It is a massive amount of money, but it is crucial in discovering the origin of the hoard and unlocking the mysteries of the Dark Ages and of life in early Britain. “The public has played such a pivotal role in donating money towards the acquisition of the hoard and we need that fantastic support to continue and for people to continue to give generously.” Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council are joint owners of the Staffordshire Hoard, after a huge public campaign raised the £3.3 million to acquire the treasure in less than four months. Strategic manager for museums Keith Bloor added: “We will continue to work hand-in-hand with Birmingham over the coming months and years to conserve and research the treasure. “Together with Birmingham, we are in the process of recruiting conservators who will analyse the artefacts in minute detail. It is anticipated that the conservators will be in post by October, and we will be looking to do some of the conservation work in public for people to view.” The treasure was discovered 12 months ago by an amateur metal detector enthusiast in a farmer’s field in south Staffordshire. The finder and landowner agreed to split the £3.3 million equally. Details of how to continue to contribute to the fundraising campaign are available at www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/hoard, www.bmag.org.uk/support-us or through The Art Fund at www.artfund.org/hoard. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001813.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001813.htmlNineteen new artefacts from the largest and most valuable collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found are now on public display for the first time. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001806.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001806.htmlDesigner Maker. Until December. Students from Staffordshire University 3-D art course display their work in the Changing Fashion Gallery. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001749.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001749.html An interactive exhibition for children and young people, featuring exciting artwork from local primary, special and nursery schools. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/whats_on/001782.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/whats_on/001782.htmlCool Summer Events @ Stoke Museumshttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001748.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001748.htmlRenowned British artist Sonia Boyce explores universal ideas around the concept of care and community cohesion - the emotion we invest in others and in the making of works of art. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/press/001780.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/press/001780.html28 June  2010 Press Release London 2012 Open Weekend: The Staffordshire Hoard at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery Thrilling new additions to the Staffordshire Hoard display of Saxon gold at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will be unveiled to the public on 24 July to mark this year’s Open Weekend and the start of the Cultural Olympiad. To celebrate the start of the Open Weekend on Friday 23 July the Museum is offering visitors the chance to explore the Staffordshire Hoard by torchlight and be the first to examine the latest additions to the Hoard display. They will be able to enjoy traditional Saxon storytelling and riddling, and discuss latest theories about the Hoard. The evening runs from 7.00 – 8.30pm and is recommended for visitors over the age of 13. Tickets are £5 and include a glass of wine or soft drink. Please book in advance as places are limited – telephone The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery on 01782 232323. On Saturday 24 July (10.00am – 4.00pm) there will be storytelling and on Saturday and Sunday (2.00pm – 5.00 pm) visitors can meet a Saxon and try their hands at a new children’s trail on the theme of gold. For more information please call Cathy Shingler at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery on 01782 232594 or email – cathy.shingler@stoke.gov.uk Ends For media inquiries, please contact Nerys Williams on 01782 235399 or email nerys.williams@stoke.gov.uk http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/whats_on/001776.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/whats_on/001776.htmlWin the opportunity to be a prince or princess for the day by entering our Ford Green Hall Birthday Party Competition. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/events/001734.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/fgh/events/001734.html A fascinating photographic display looking at  100  years of Smallthorne. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001680.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/eim/events/001680.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001715.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001715.html2010 is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Emma’s pottery and to mark the occasion a wide range of pieces, from earliest productions to current wares, will be on display in this special exhibitionhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001714.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001714.htmlA five-legged donkey dressed in its finest tweed suit is among a selection of weird and wonderful exhibits which will go on show from next weekend at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/press/001582.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/press/001582.html Thursday November 26, 2009 PRESS RELEASE £3.3m Staffordshire Hoard valuation accepted by acquiring councils A £3.3m price tag placed on the Staffordshire Hoard at an independent valuation has been accepted by the two councils who will raise the funds to acquire it. Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council have welcomed the Treasure Valuation Committee’s £3,285,000 valuation of the 1,800 mainly gold and some silver Anglo-Saxon artefacts. The amount makes the Staffordshire Hoard the most valuable treasure find ever. The two authorities will jointly acquire the treasure, and have now been given four months to raise the funds. They will also work with partner authorities Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council and Tamworth Borough Council to help ensure the seventh century items remain in the region in which they were found, for local people to see. Councillor Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for economic development and culture, said: "We welcome the valuation of the committee. To value items, the like of which have simply never been seen before, is an unenviable task and I’d like to thank the committee for their work. "But now the real work for us must begin. We are working jointly with Birmingham City Council to acquire the treasure, and only have a limited amount of time to raise the funds. "We’re also calling on the support of the public and businesses to help raise the funds and we want as many people as possible to join us in bringing the treasure home. We’re confident that working together, we can raise the required money. "The treasure will have a huge economic impact on Stoke-on-Trent in terms of bringing in visitors and encouraging visitor spend. We are thrilled to be able to give people the chance to see the hoard, including items that have never before been displayed, when it is exhibited at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery from February 13." The fundraising campaign has already gained the support of Government Office West Midlands and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. The two city councils have already been involved in talks with funding bodies the Heritage Lottery Fund, Art Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund. Councillor Martin Mullaney, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "It is great to have a real target to aim for.  We are already talking to major potential funders to help us acquire the hoard and bring it home to its rightful place in the ancient kingdom of Merica.   "Over 42,000 people saw the treasure when it was displayed at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in September, and thanks to the generosity of the public we have already raised almost £40,000 towards the fundraising total. "This will take a huge, co-ordinated fundraising effort and we have already been working hard with partners and had early discussions with fundraising bodies. We want as many people as possible to support the campaign and help ensure we keep the treasure in the region." A selection of around 80 of the most significant artefacts, including items that have yet to be seen in public, will go on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent from February 13 to March 7. Collection boxes for public donations are available in the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. To find out more on how to give money to support the fundraising, please visit www.bmag.org.uk/support-us. ‘The Staffordshire Hoard’ book has also been published by the British Museum Press, priced at £4.99, with £1 going to the acquisition appeal fund. -Ends- For media enquiries, please call Andrew Brunt at Stoke-on-Trent City Council press office on 01782 232671. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/press/001581.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/press/001581.html Friday November 27, 2009   PRESS RELEASE   Regional Minister praises speedy Staffordshire Hoard valuation agreement West Midlands Regional Minister Ian Austin has praised the valuation process over the £3,285,000 Staffordshire Hoard. Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council are to raise funds to jointly acquire the Anglo-Saxon gold and silver, which was yesterday announced as the most valuable treasure find ever made. The two authorities approved the valuation – made by the Treasure Valuation Committee at the British Museum – and finder Terry Herbert and landowner Fred Johnson also agreed the value and will split the sum equally. Ian Austin said: "This is excellent news; I am delighted that everyone has come to such a speedy agreement. Now the real work starts to raise the funds to ensure that this unique treasure is displayed in its natural home of the West Midlands. "The region as a whole must get behind this; and given the outpouring of feelings and emotions so far shown I know that we will be able to achieve this together. "The Staffordshire Hoard is unique and the positive impact a West Midlands home for the hoard will have on tourism, education and heritage is way beyond the treasure’s price tag." The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent is now preparing to display the seventh century artefacts from 13 February to 7 March. The museum will exclusively exhibit items that have never been seen before, along with a selection of the most significant artefacts including folded gold crosses, sword pommels, intricately designed helmet parts and a gold strip bearing a biblical inscription. Councillor Hazel Lyth, cabinet member for economic development and culture, said: "Experts believe that the outstanding quality of the treasure means it was owned by royalty – we’ll be pulling out all the stops to make sure this breathtaking collection has a home fit for a king. "We are creating a dedicated gallery space and will have six display cases to accommodate the artefacts. "It will be the first time this unique find has been displayed in Staffordshire, the county in which it was found, and we are making plans so that as many people as possible can come to see it. "Next year, 2010, is the hundredth anniversary of the federation of Stoke-on-Trent, and this will really help to kick-start our celebrations. It will bring huge economic benefits to our city and we are thrilled to be able to display it." Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council have four months to raise the funds to acquire the 1,800 Staffordshire Hoard artefacts. At a temporary exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in September, a selection of around 80 items of the treasure attracted over 40,000 visitors in just 20 days. -Ends- Note to editors The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is the approved repository for archaeological material recovered from within the Staffordshire area. The Museum is recognised by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council as holding archaeological collections of both national and international importance.     For media enquiries, please call Andrew Brunt at Stoke-on-Trent City Council press office on 01782 232671. http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001818.htmlhttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/exhibitions/001818.htmlA unique collection of medals has gone on displayv at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.