Sharpe's Pottery Museum

About the museum

Sharpe's Pottery in Swadlincote was founded in 1821 by Thomas Sharpe, who came from a farming background. It began with practical wares such as teapots and pie dishes and then moved into sanitary ware, including toilets, urinals, wash basins and clay pipes. The Grade II listed bottle kiln and its attached workshop buildings are believed to be the oldest surviving sanitary pottery works in the country, and perhaps the world.

In 1855 Edmund Sharpe designed and patented the flushing rim of the wash-down water closet, which helped make the firm a leading maker of ceramic sanitary ware. Clean Air Acts in the 1950s and 1960s, plus competition from other firms, brought a decline in production, and the pottery closed in 1968.

The site is now run as a museum and heritage centre by Sharpe's Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust. Its collections include a wide range of toilets, rare pieces from the Bretby Art Pottery and T.G. Green's blue and cream striped Cornishware. The galleries also tell the story of South Derbyshire, where coal and clay shaped the landscape and local industry before the area became part of the National Forest.

Highlights

• Grade II listed bottle kiln and pottery works
• Sanitary ware including one of the widest ranges of toilets in the country
• Bretby Art Pottery and Cornishware
• Story of South Derbyshire's coal and clay industries
• Interactive National Forest zone
• Sweet Caroline Café on site

Permanent exhibitions

• Story of Sharpe's – The history of the Sharpe family pottery and its sanitary ware, set in the original bottle kiln and workshops.
• Story of South Derbyshire – How coal and clay shaped the industries and landscape of South Derbyshire and the National Forest.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Sharpe's Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust (registered charity 1077086)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The museum is free to visit and relies on donations, memberships and events. Annual membership (single, joint or family) gives 10% off shop purchases and event tickets, with café offers.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has step-free level access through the shop entrance, an automatic door 1550 mm wide and a lift to all floors. An accessible toilet is on the ground floor and others are on the first floor. For fire safety only two wheelchair users can be on the upper floors at a time, so larger groups visit in staggered parties. Two Blue Badge spaces are on site, seating is available throughout, and service dogs are welcome. The interactive section can be used standing or seated, and magnifying glasses are available on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The museum runs toddler and holiday sessions and clay activities for families and school groups, and the galleries include an interactive National Forest section.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks are on West Street outside the post office, a 5-minute walk away. A drop-off point outside the museum can be booked in advance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Sweet Caroline Café is on the ground floor with level access, and the shop sells ceramics, jewellery, souvenirs and homeware.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 60 guests.

The Ash Room (small meetings), Sharpe's Kiln Hovel and the Glaze Room (up to 60 people) can be hired. The kiln is available for weddings and the venue is licensed for civil ceremonies; viewings are by appointment.

Plan your visit