Hopetown's got pots of character

In North Road Station Museum, you'll encounter Anne Birk. Anne was a pottery painter at Middlesbrough pottery. It was the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) building an extension to Middlesbrough in 1830 which led to the development of what is now a town with a population of close to 150,000. Before the S&DR reached Middlesbrough, it was nothing more than a couple of farms. The pottery where Anne worked was established in 1834 and became a large employer of women. 

Now, we’re thrilled to be working with Norton-based artist Mike Green AKA The Struggling Potter. Mike’s bright, contemporary pots are emblazoned with quirky phrases which often relate to the local area and even to the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Mike uses custom-made letterpress blocks - which were also used for the printing of railway posters in the 19th century! You can buy Mike's pots in Hopetown Goods and Gifts. You might just meet Anne in the shop, too...

Visit North Road Station Museum to find out more about Anne and the influence of the S&DR on the making of towns in our region. Entry to North Road Station Museum is included in free site admission. We recommend booking site admission in advance. There is no need to pre-book entry into North Road Station Museum - simply pop in once you are onsite.