Stoke-on-Trent: Restoring Buildings at Risk

From an estimated 2,000 examples of bottle ovens during its manufacturing peak, there are now just 50 surviving in Stoke-on-Trent.

Thanks to the work of the HAZ partnership, a lasting record has been created and new discoveries revealed, through detailed conservation work. A great example of this is the Phoenix Works, in Longton.

Introducing the Phoenix Works

First built as a pottery factory in 1881, the Phoenix Works captures the character of the Longton Conservation Area, and its iconic chimney is a dominant landmark feature of the area's skyline.

A survey in 2015 revealed that many of Stoke-on-Trent's brick‐built coal‐fired kilns, known as bottle ovens, used in the north Staffordshire pottery industry were at risk. At the Phoenix Works, only 2 remaining bottle ovens exist from the original 6.

One of the aims of the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramic HAZ was to ensure these buildings are understood and recorded so the structures can better access urgent grant-aided repair to support ongoing regeneration plans.

The Phoenix Works was Grade II listed and eligible for a 'Heritage at Risk' (HAR) repair grant. The HAR grant from Historic England supported the repair and conservation of the pottery works, which otherwise would not have been possible, and it reduced the risk to this historic site and neighbouring structures. The results of the restoration can be seen in the images below.

Archaeologists make surprising discovery

During November 2020 and March 2021, the restoration investigative work around the base of the 2 bottle ovens and the chimney produced surprising and significant results. The work revealed that both bottle ovens at the site were rare ‘down-draughts’ and not the common ‘up-draught’ types.

This means the Phoenix Works in Longton is only the second site with down-draught bottle ovens in Stoke-on-Trent. The first being the ‘Three Sisters’ in Burslem.

The Phoenix Works discovery is unique because it is the only surviving example of the Clement Robey Patent type of down-draught ovens in the city.

As the Phoenix Works is now recognised as the only surviving example to have utilised this technology, their Grade II listing is currently being reviewed by Historic England as part of the HAZ programme.

Restoring historic landmarks to support local businesses to thrive

Thanks to the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramic HAZ and its connected partnerships, including Stoke City Council and the Potteries Heritage Society, this important and unique landmark can continue to enhance the historic environment.

It now provides an impressive site for local businesses and can safely be enjoyed by future generations.