What We Do | Re-form

LIVING, BREATHING HERITAGE


Re-Form Heritage is an independent charity which specialises in the restoration and rejuvenation of heritage buildings at risk of decay or demolition. Re-Form Heritage’s objective is to transform these historic buildings into local assets, creating job opportunities and catalysing wider social and economic benefit.


Re-Form Heritage owns and manages Middleport Pottery in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Middleport Pottery was built by Burgess and Leigh in the late nineteenth century and is the home of Burleigh pottery. It is the oldest working pottery in the United Kingdom. The pottery was acquired by the charity in 2011 through a mixture of public and private funding and was fully restored by the charity and opened to the public in 2014.


The business developed by Re-Form Heritage ensures the long-term sustainability of the site, which, in addition to the production of the Burleigh pottery range, encompasses heritage and craft-based operations, including a visitor centre, café and other activities. Middleport Pottery is a model for future regeneration and preservation projects, having a significant and beneficial impact on the local community.

Our heritage buildings

Architectural Awards:

RIBA Award for Architectural Excellence

Three RIBA West Midlands Awards

Civic Trust AABC Conservation Award for building conservation

-

Heritage Awards & Achievements:

2015 - Winner, EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award

Historic England's 'Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places'

2014 - Removed from the 'Heritage at Risk' register

Dorothea Prize for Conservation - Steam engine restoration

-

Visitor Experience Awards:

2019 - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffs 'Visitor Experience of the Year'

2018 - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffs 'Visitor Experience of the Year'

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame - In recognition of five consecutive 'excellent' years

-

Craft & enterprise:

Saved 50 jobs at risk

Developed a creative hub for seven independent businesses within Middleport Pottery

DOWNLOAD OUR ANNUAL REPORT