When the Royal Worcester Porcelain Company went into administration in 2009, the Bransford Trust later acquired the site with the intention of developing it as a Cultural and Heritage Centre for the city via engagement of the local community and the encouragement of tourism.

Royal Porcelain Works opened phase one of the redevelopment to the public in June 2018, showcasing the beautifully restored 1852 Royal Porcelain showroom transformed into the Henry Sandon Hall, a multi-purpose facility host to an eclectic mix of events.

A recent project to reinstate 30 plates in the plaster mouldings of the Hall has just been unveiled. Undertaken by established local resident artist Tony Young; just like in the Victorian times, these hand painted plates – depicting local scenes and wildlife - are now on show for visitors to enjoy.

The Hall sits alongside GoodRoots, owned and run by two local friends; one a 2-rosette chef and the other a local designer. GoodRoots’ aspiration is to be an ethical and sustainable café sourcing ingredients from local producers to deliver nutritious food for all, strengthening the offer of the site as a destination for both food and arts.

The site is also home to Piston Distillery, founded in 2018 by Nick Weatherall. In love with the idea of creating his own spirits and fascinated by a trip to a gin school in 2017, Nick felt compelled to find a flavour the gin world was lacking. Piston offers 14 gin botanicals and this year was awarded Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirit Competition.

Royal Porcelain Works is approaching the final stage of the development on Severn Street, which will house single spaces and shared collective working spaces for artists, ceramicists, potters, photographers and alike, scheduled to open in the New Year.

So important to the region’s cultural identity, The Royal Porcelain Works raises the profile of the fantastic level of artistry and craftsmanship that exists locally, helping ensure these skills remain relevant to future generations and those traditions for which the city of Worcester is renowned live on.

For further information, contact the Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.