Two historic terracotta busts rescued from the Wedgwood Institute in Burslem are now on public display at Barewall Art Gallery, allowing visitors to see them for the first time in decades. The sculptures, believed to depict prominent nineteenth-century figures William Woodall and James Maddock, were carefully removed from the Wedgwood Institute during recent safeguarding work to protect the historic building. They are now in the care of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s museum service and have been temporarily placed on display at Barewall Art Gallery with gallery owner Amanda Bromley, where they can once again be enjoyed by the public.
Research carried out by the council’s heritage team suggests the busts represent two significant figures in Burslem’s civic and industrial history. William Woodall served as Liberal MP for Stoke-upon-Trent and Hanley from 1880 to 1885 and is remembered as a strong supporter of women’s suffrage in the House of Commons. Woodall also played a central role in the development of the Wedgwood Institute, serving as Secretary to the Institute Committee during the period when the building was constructed and opened. Beyond his parliamentary work, he was active in local public life, serving as Chairman of the Burslem School Board from 1868 to 1880 and as Chairman of the North Staffordshire Society for the Promotion of the Welfare of the Deaf and Dumb. Surviving portraits closely match the sculpture, and historical records indicate that a bust of Woodall once stood inside the Wedgwood Institute.
James Maddock J.P., was a business man, pottery manufacturer and served as Mayor of Burslem from 1879 to 1881. He supported several local institutions, including the Wedgwood Institute and Haywood Hospital, and donated the fountain in St John’s Square, Burslem, in 1881. The mayoral chain and inscription visible on the sculpture strongly support the identification.
Amanda Bromley, owner of Barewall Art Gallery, said:
“We are honoured to be able to display these important historic busts at Barewall. They represent part of Burslem’s rich heritage and it is wonderful that people can now see them again after many years out of public view.
“Barewall has always championed the history, creativity and character of the Potteries, so it feels very fitting that these sculptures are now here at Barewall for all to see.”
The long-term ambition is for the busts to return to public display in a regenerated Wedgwood Institute, allowing them to be seen once again in the building so closely connected to both men.
Last month Stoke-on-Trent became the first city in the UK to declare a heritage emergency, calling for urgent public and private investment to help protect its historic buildings. Work is already underway across the city, including essential safeguarding work at the Wedgwood Institute as part of a wider programme to preserve and restore Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“These busts represent people who helped shape Burslem’s identity and supported institutions like the Haywood Hospital that still serve our communities today.
“They are tangible links to our history and creativity. By retrieving and preserving them during safeguarding work, we have protected an important part of our story. Bringing them back into public view allows residents to reconnect with Burslem’s history and take pride in the role local people played in building our city.
“Declaring a heritage emergency was about action as well as ambition. This is a practical example of that work already happening.”
The busts can be viewed at the Barewall Art, 2-4 Market Place, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4AT from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
