𧢠From "a hidden gem" to âa new attractionâ for Stoke-on-Trent
The refurbishment of The Spode Heritage Trust Museum brings with it one of the most famous names associated with Stoke-on-Trentâs legendary era as the world capital of ceramics; and offers visitors another opportunity to discover the history and heritage of The Potteries, while also enjoying a small Museum, a constantly evolving exhibition space, and a shop to match any antique market in Britain. Not to mention The Little Vintage Tearoom - which is now one of the best places in Stoke-on-Trent for traditional, home-made âtea and sticky bunsâ, served on Spodeâs famous blue and white ware.
𧢠Wright on paper
Derby Museums is set to re-introduce internationally renowned artist Joseph Wright of Derby to audiences through a nationwide âYear of Wrightâ celebration lasting 18 months. The programme will lift the lid on an artist who took the 18th century art world by storm yet chose to remain in his hometown. Though he enjoyed national acclaim during his lifetime, Wright never left Derby, a place that deeply shaped his identity and artistic output, so it is fitting that Derby Museum and Art Gallery will kick things off with Life on Paper (23 May to 7 September). This exhibition showcases over 70 of Wrightâs rarely seen personal drawings and sketches, peeling back the curtain on the master of light and shade. A major exhibition, Wright of Derby: From the Shadows - which will run at the National Gallery from 7 November to 10 May 2026 - will then travel to Derby in 2026.
𧢠This weekâs âTop Pickâ @WeightmanPR: Peopleâs Choice at Bridgemere
The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust was awarded The Peopleâs Choice Award at the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show - has now been relocated to Blue Diamond owned Bridgemere Gardens. Its Show Gardens area, on the Staffordshire/Cheshire/Shropshire borders, are set in six acres and were already âhomeâ to 15 stunning individual gardens, eight of which are Gold and Silver Medal award-winning gardens from the RHS Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Flower Shows. 'The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond Garden Centres', is a version of the garden that won People's Choice, Children's Choice and a Silver-Gilt Medal on the Main Avenue at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. It was officially unveiled on 9 May.
đ§˘The city standing on Platform 200âŚ
As the home of Britainâs rail industry and the future headquarters of Great British Railways, Derby has been at the forefront of railway innovation for 200 years. And news that the worldâs first steam locomotive to run on a public railway will appear at âThe Greatest Gatheringâ from 1 to 3 August has boosted the cityâs claim to be one of the most important venues in Britain for this yearâs Railway 200 celebrations. The Greatest Gathering has been a sell-out event almost from the day it was first announced. However, press passes are available for travel media interested in covering this event - and in finding out more about Derbyâs rich railway history and heritage. For full details of how Derby is celebrating Railway200 click here.
