V&A Wedgwood Collection

About the museum

Josiah Wedgwood began keeping samples of his firm’s wares in the 18th century, and the first formal Wedgwood museum opened in 1906 at the company’s Etruria works. The collection later moved to the Barlaston factory, and a purpose-built museum there opened in its present form in 2008 under a dedicated trust.

When the Waterford Wedgwood company went into receivership in 2009, the collection was threatened with sale. An appeal led by the Art Fund and supported by other funders saved it, and it was given to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2014. It stays on display at Barlaston, where it is now called the V&A Wedgwood Collection.

The collection includes ceramics, works of art, manuscripts and photographs, with objects such as the Portland Vase, the Stubbs portrait of the Wedgwood family, the Frog Service and the anti-slavery medallion. The archive is recognised by UNESCO. The museum is part of the World of Wedgwood visitor attraction, which also has a working factory, creative studios, shops and a tea room.

Highlights

• Josiah Wedgwood’s story, from early experiments to Jasperware
• Portland Vase material, the Frog Service and the anti-slavery medallion
• Play Space with a play factory and dress-up area for children
• Wedgwood factory tour, pottery studios and tea room on the same site
• Free entry to the galleries, with free parking

Permanent exhibition

• V&A Wedgwood Collection galleries – Galleries telling the story of Josiah Wedgwood and the firm’s ceramics from the 18th century to the present, with the Portland Vase, the Frog Service and the anti-slavery medallion.

Founded

1906

Operated by

Victoria and Albert Museum

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the galleries is free and booking is not needed. Guided tours of the collection and the factory are paid extras; carers go free and group rates are available.

Accessibility

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

All areas of the collection are accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users. The ground floor is step-free and a large lift serves the upper floors. Six wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge. The car park has 8 Blue Badge spaces close to the entrance. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout; other dogs are not allowed in the collection. Interactive and tactile displays are included, and a quieter atrium can be used for a break. The factory tour offers a hearing-support system; there is no British Sign Language interpretation.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The Play Space in the collection has beanbags, books, dress-up and a play factory with bottle kilns. Children’s trails come with the children’s collection tour, and the site offers pottery workshops for little potters and a children’s afternoon tea.

Getting there & parking

Use postcode ST12 9ER. From the M1 follow the A50 west, and from the M6 follow the A34 and the tourist signs. If approaching along Barlaston Old Road, the single-lane canal bridge has a height limit of 2.3 m and a weight limit of 5 tonnes.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

The Wedgwood Tea Room, Lunar Restaurant and Sixtowns Distillery & Bar are on site. Shops include the Wedgwood Store, Wedgwood Outlet, Josiah & Co and the Fiskars Store. Toilets and baby changing are available and there is a cloakroom on the ground floor.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

World of Wedgwood offers meeting, conference and event packages, with free access to the collection for delegates and the option to add a private tour or a factory tour.

Plan your visit