Art and craft enthusiasts will be treated to an exclusive look inside one of South Derbyshire’s hidden treasure as it prepares for a facelift following years of neglect and vandalism.
The Bretby Art Pottery showroom, a historical building, in Swadlincote Road, Woodville, with masses of hidden treasures, will allow access to its wonders for the first time in years, giving the public access which would not be gained at any other time of year.
Visitors will be given the opportunity to meet former employees with a wealth of knowledge and see rare and unseen historic photographs from the site in its former glory days.
Items from the Tooth and Co archive will be present as well as examples of the Bretby Art Pottery ware to enhance the experience of the enthusiasts involved.
Visitors will be able to find out more about The Heritage Trust and all the fantastic work which is going on to ensure the heritage and wellbeing of the art and pottery is maintained for the enjoyment of all for years to come.
The trust has been raising funds to repair the building and restore the damage caused from water ingress, vandalism and theft which has left the building unloved, despite it being one of Burton’s most historical and well-loved treasures.
Information will also be given on the work and plans which the trust has for the showroom and how it plans to ensure it will be maintained to the highest standard further in the future.
The event will take place from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, September 9, and Sunday September 10.
It was revealed last year that the building was given a boost with a £10,000 National Lottery grant to launch a feasibility study into the appropriate use of the building as well as further community consultation.
The Heritage Trust, which has acquired the building that has stood derelict for 20 years, hopes the community centre will help the local community and those from further afield to experience and learn many traditional crafts and skills including pottery.
It is free to pop along and places can be registered here.
