3-021-119 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Earl de Grey and Ripon going from the Townhall at Burslem to open the Wedgwood Memorial Institute, 1869. 'The institution was formally opened, on Wednesday week, by Earl De Grey and Ripon, Lord President of the Council. The Free Libraries and Museums Act has been adopted by the inhabitants in connection with this institution, which will also include a school of art and other educational agencies. The building itself is constructed entirely of ceramic materials; and the design of the architect, Mr. R. Edgar, has been to illustrate in the facade the mode in which terra-cotta and other enrichments may be introduced, not for the mere purpose of ornamentation and veneering, but as parts of the actual structure of an edifice. In these particulars the building is one of exceptional interest and value. It is inaugurated by an art-exhibition, which will remain open several months...There is a superb collection of Wedgwood's own productions of every description. The idea of this Wedgwood Institute was suggested by Mr. Beresford Hope, after a meeting at Burslem ten years ago, over which the late Earl of Carlisle presided. The fund required was partly raised by the exhibition held in 1865 at Alton Towers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.