Researching Shelley - Pattern Books
(updated 06/11/22)
Having been stored away from general view for several years the Wileman and Shelley pattern books have received conservation work and may be viewed for research in Stoke on Trent City Archives . The 35 pattern books form part of the “Minton Archive” amassed by Royal Doulton from its pottery company acquisitions over many years. In addition there are 2 scrapbooks compiled by Ray Reynolds during his time as Decorating Manager at the Shelley factory. An index of the contents of the pattern books has been prepared for viewing\downloading from the links below. It is only a list without pictures or page details and is to aid researchers in selecting the specific books required to view.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - wef. 5 December 2022
The City Central Library building in Hanley has been sold by the City Council and Stoke on Trent City Archives is moving to a new home at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery just next door. This will bring together the City’s Archive and Museum collections under one roof for the first time. The move also brings together all of the collections (archives, local studies and potteries library) in one purpose-built strongroom. In preparation for the move, all collections need to be carefully packaged by the Archives' staff and volunteers. This is a huge task and on-site services will be reduced temporarily. From the week beginning 5 December the Archives will be open to the public on Fridays only, from 9.30 until 4pm. This will reduce further from the week beginning 9 January from which time they will only be open for urgent legal enquiries that cannot be resolved with photocopying. This is a challenging but exciting time for the City Archives. You can follow all the stages of the move on the 'Stoke on Trent City Archives is moving' website at: www.stokearchivesismoving.uk . The new reading room in the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is due to open later in 2023. At that point you will be welcomed to the new home. Throughout this period, apart from a short period around the dates of the moves, remote services; answering enquiries and providing copying services will continue.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - wef. 5 December 2022
The City Central Library building in Hanley has been sold by the City Council and Stoke on Trent City Archives is moving to a new home at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery just next door. This will bring together the City’s Archive and Museum collections under one roof for the first time. The move also brings together all of the collections (archives, local studies and potteries library) in one purpose-built strongroom. In preparation for the move, all collections need to be carefully packaged by the Archives' staff and volunteers. This is a huge task and on-site services will be reduced temporarily. From the week beginning 5 December the Archives will be open to the public on Fridays only, from 9.30 until 4pm. This will reduce further from the week beginning 9 January from which time they will only be open for urgent legal enquiries that cannot be resolved with photocopying. This is a challenging but exciting time for the City Archives. You can follow all the stages of the move on the 'Stoke on Trent City Archives is moving' website at: www.stokearchivesismoving.uk . The new reading room in the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is due to open later in 2023. At that point you will be welcomed to the new home. Throughout this period, apart from a short period around the dates of the moves, remote services; answering enquiries and providing copying services will continue.
Note: For more information about the Archive including opening hours, planning a visit, and research services, please visit :
https://staffordshire.gov.uk/Heritage-and-archives/contact/stoke/Stoke-on-Trent-City-Archives.aspx
