The Museum of Royal Worcester has announced the official launch of its first ever Showstopper Trail. They are inviting visitors to explore the inspiration and achievements of Worcester porcelain through the stories of 25 glorious and significant objects, chosen from their world-class collection of 8,000. Ensuring the Museum is at the forefront of technology and connects to a wide audience, the Trail is accompanied by an online Showstopper Gallery. This allows both visitors at the Museum or at home to watch short videos, giving fresh insights into the talent behind each piece and to enjoy behind-the-scenes archive.
Museum Director, Sophie Heath explains:
‘The Showstopper Trail brings together businesses, supporters, art and design lovers and Worcestershire residents, to celebrate 250 years of excellence in quality and ceramic design. We are excited to launch this opportunity for organisations and individuals to become Showstopper Sponsors and join with us to share in and support the Museum’s work.
I am delighted that 22 out of 25 Showstopper objects have been generously sponsored so far from a wide range of sectors. The Showstopper Trail showcases Worcester’s heritage of innovation, skill and ambition as a pioneering centre of porcelain manufacture and international giant of the ceramic industry. We are thrilled to share the special stories of our Showstoppers’ and engage audiences with this fascinating and prized part of Worcester’s history. It is exciting to work together with businesses and partners to recognise their support, draw visitors to our heritage city, and inspire people to get creative.’
Charlotte Thornton-Smith of Harrison Clark Rickerbys solicitors explains:
‘We are sponsoring the Showstopper ‘Angler under a Willow Teapot’ from 1755. The reason Worcester porcelain became commercially successful was that they included soapstone in the recipe so it did not crack when boiling water was poured into it, so it could meet the demand for consuming tea from China. Royal Worcester is synonymous with our region and its history. We are delighted to support the Museum with its Showstopper Trail which is insightful and exquisite, a perfect showcase. People are our passion and we are dedicated to supporting the communities in which we operate. ’
Richard Banks, of G. Herbert Banks, Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents have sponsored the Showstopper ‘Chamberlain Factory Vase’ from 1815.
‘I’m so excited that businesses get to be a part of such a special collection. This vase proudly positions the Worcester factory at the centre of the composition with the city and cathedral behind. A large sign proclaims their status as manufacturers for the Prince Regent.’
The Museum of Royal Worcester is an independent charity without any regular public funding. It costs £568 each day to care for and connect people with this magnificent local heritage. Companies interested in sponsoring a Showstopper Pot should contact the Museum directly.
The Trail’s launch is accompanied by The Museum’s Winter programme of adults and children’s creative workshops, alongside opportunities for young and old to have a go at creating their own unique pottery in our Paint Your Own Pottery Studio, perfect for a Christmas gift.
The Showstopper Trail is now open for visitors and online at our showstopper gallery.
Check the Museum’s winter opening times.