Council backs Sharpe’s ambitious growth plan
South Derbyshire District Council is backing a ‘Growth and Development Plan’ put forward by Sharpe’s Pottery Museum and is set to increase funding to help ensure the Swadlincote landmark continues to go from strength-to-strength.
Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust, the charitable organisation that runs Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, put forward an ambitious expansion plan to ‘build on our existing audiences and create positive visitor experiences that will draw tourism from far and wide’ and ‘to continue to develop a community hub and space for all audiences to learn, engage and be inspired by the history of the local area.’
The plans to cement Sharpe’s as a must-see visitor attraction within the National Forest and to continue its legacy as a valued education and community facility that celebrates local heritage have been backed by the council.
Immediate plans for Sharpe’s involve developing its current collection and staging temporary themed exhibitions to attract new audiences, refitting the shop to allow more local creative businesses to exhibit their products and develop their businesses, and increasing staff and volunteer capacity to provide an enhanced visitor experience.
The museum is accredited by Arts Council England and currently houses two community organisations: The Magic Attic local history archive; and, People Express participatory community arts organisation, as well as two businesses, Sweet Caroline’s café and Louise Mary Designs silversmith workshop.
The success of the new plan will build upon this foundation whilst meeting the Trust’s primary objective to advance the education of the public in all matters relating to the arts, crafts, cultural and industrial heritage of South Derbyshire for the benefit of the community.
Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Robert Pearson said: “Sharpe’s Pottery Museum is not only an important cornerstone of our community that keeps the history and heritage of South Derbyshire alive but is also an integral part of our plans to attract visitors to Swadlincote and our district.
“The plans put forward are exciting and we are happy to be able to support them to help ensure Sharpe’s continues to be a vital part of our local community and visitor economy.“
Chris Beech, Chair of Trustees at Sharpe’s added: “We have an ambitious vision, as outlined in our plans and we are pleased to have the support and backing of South Derbyshire District Council.
“We are looking forward to getting going and realising these plans and will work hard to make sure the developed visitor experience does not start or finish on Sharpe’s doorstep, but it links throughout South Derbyshire and shows off all the area has to offer.’
The Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust is a charity formed in 1999. Sharpe’s Pottery Museum opened in 2003 following the renovation of the former Sharpe’s Pottery buildings in West Street, Swadlincote with the aid of external funding and support from South Derbyshire District Council.
The museum is free to visit. Further information about opening times, exhibitions and events can be found at: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk.
Pictured above discussing the plans (L-R) - Councillor Stephen Taylor, Chair of Environmental and Development Services Committee; Rebecca King, Sharpe’s Visitor Experience Manager; Councillor Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council and Chris Beech, Chair of Trustees at Sharpe’s.
1 November 2023