Steam Engines are what made this country great. A proud testament to the industrial revolution, Middleport Pottery in Burslem was saved in 2011 by the Prince's Regeneration Trust in a £9 million regeneration project. The William Boulton Steam Engine is the last example of a Burslem built engine in its original setting, making it of national importance to industrial heritage. It was designed specifically for Middleport in 1888 and powered the whole factory up to the mid-20th century. We want to restore this engine to demonstrate how it was once central to the entire manufacturing process at Middleport, from clay to cup. In the process, we will provide volunteering and educational opportunities for Burslem for years to come. Let's get Middleport moving!
What we'll deliver:
- Install heritage interpretation materials to bring the history of the Engine to life
- Train 8 volunteers and 6 students in professional conservation techniques
- Provide an exciting programme of conservation talks, school visits and community events
- Restore the Steam Engine to full steam functionality and showcase it as part of the current visitor experience
Why it's a great idea:
The regeneration of Middleport Pottery has provided enormous economic and cultural opportunities for the local community:
• 50 jobs saved
• 66 jobs created
• 6 work placements provided
• 45 new volunteer positions created
• 5 local businesses have moved onsite
• Over 20,000 visitors to the Pottery in the last year
• 1 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
The Steam Engine project will build upon this success, improving skills and increasing training opportunities in the local area by recruiting further volunteers and providing educational placements for local engineering students. Alongside heritage interpretation materials, these opportunities will help to cement local appreciation and understanding of this truly unique piece of industrial heritage. As the only surviving Burslem-built engine in its original setting, the William Boulton Steam Engine is of huge national importance.
Steps to get it done:
- Recruit 8 volunteers to help a professional conservator restore the Steam Engine
- Through the Middleport Visitor Services Centre, provide a schedule of events to publicise the restored Steam Engine
- Work with Staffs Uni and Stoke College to provide 6 student placements in historic engine conservation
If you are a UK tax payer, we will be able to claim Gift Aid on your donation. For every £1 donated, we can claim 25p from the UK Government. If your donation is over £20, we will need you to give your written consent to us claiming Gift Aid by emailing us at [email protected].
