Lancaster Maritime Museum to hold book launch

Lancaster Maritime Museum is to host the launch of a new book covering the fascinating history of pottery manufactured in the city during the 18th century.

Taking place on October 5 from 11am – 4pm, the event will provide the opportunity to find out more about delftware making in Lancaster.

Barbara Blenkinship and Dr Matthew S. Hobson have chronicled the history of the industry, which was focused on St George’s Quay and created iconic blue and white pottery for sale across the world.

Understanding of the pottery was greatly expanded in 2007 when the first archaeological dig of the site began. This and subsequent digs revealed the main pothouse, the kiln, and a mass of broken pottery in a huge waste pile.

The authors were integral to this dig and using what they found have been able to piece together this history of the site and this previously little-known industry in Lancaster.

Matthew and Barbara will be at the museum from 11am – 4pm where you will be able to purchase your own copy of the book, which is entitled ‘Lancaster delftware: an 18th-century pottery (1754-c.1786)’.

They’ll also be happy to answer questions and museum staff will also be present with some of the finds from the dig, allowing you to get up close and personal with the pieces of history that came together to form this fascinating story.

Barbara and Matthew will also be giving a free talk on the subject of the dig and their book in the education room at 2pm. You can drop in throughout the day to meet the authors and see some of the finds. Spaces at the talk are limited. To secure your place email lancastermaritimemuseum@lancaster.gov.uk.  

Entrance to Lancaster Maritime Museum is free to local residents (LA1 to LA6 postcodes) or £3 for adults and £2 for concessions from outside of these areas.

Last updated: 27 September 2022