Raven Mason Collection
University collection of Mason's ironstone china and porcelain from nineteenth-century Staffordshire, shown in Keele Hall on open days and by appointment.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Raven Mason Collection is a ceramics collection housed in the Raven Mason Suite in Keele Hall, on the campus of Keele University in Staffordshire. It was assembled by the Raven family, in particular the brothers Ronald William and John Raven, and was added to by generous bequests from their sister Dame Kathleen Raven. The whole collection is now on display.
The pieces were made by the Mason family of potters in the Staffordshire Potteries during the nineteenth century. Miles Mason began making his own porcelain around 1800 after the East India Company stopped bringing in oriental porcelain in bulk. His son Charles James Mason patented Patent Ironstone China in 1813, a durable and affordable body that suited the large dinner services demanded by changing dining habits. The firm used Japan-style patterns on its ironstone and sold well for several decades before it was affected by an oversupplied market and fading fashion for oriental designs.
The displays trace this development from everyday ironstone tableware to ornate porcelain for wealthy buyers, and are arranged by style, date, decoration and purpose. Related artworks and images are shown alongside. The collection is a registered charity and is curated within the university's arts programme, ArtsKeele. It opens on a number of open days through the year, and at other times by appointment.
Highlights
- Mason's ironstone china and porcelain from the nineteenth century
- Displays arranged by style, date, decoration and purpose
- Housed in the historic Keele Hall
- Hosted group visits with professional staff
- Operated by
- Raven Mason Collection (registered charity), Keele University
Admission & discounts
| Groups (10+ people) | –Hosted group visits for 10 to 50 people |
|---|
The collection is a non-profit registered charity, and charges are made towards running costs; visitors are asked to enquire about current charges.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Raven Mason Suite is reached from the Great Hall entrance of Keele Hall up a set of stairs; a lift is inside the main reception. Disabled parking bays are nearby. The route from the car park crosses a cobbled courtyard.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Keele Hall is building 12 on the campus map. The nearest pay-and-display car park is on Union Square beside the University Chapel (building 7). On weekdays during the day parking is limited to pay-and-display spaces; parking is free after 5pm on weekdays and at weekends.
- Accessible parking
The collection is on the Keele University campus, in the Raven Mason Suite of Keele Hall.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
Talks and group visits can be arranged.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Hosted visits with professional staff can be arranged for groups of 10 to 50 visitors and last about 45 to 60 minutes. Refreshments can be served. |
