The Wedgwood Museum and Visitors Centre in Barlaston is a must for those interested in the pottery industry and ceramics.  Priced at £10 (£8 concessions) the experience is well worth the entrance fee.  If one does not rely on a motor vehicle the X1 Bakers bus leaves just before the hour from Hanley bus station to Barlaston and returns around half past the hour.  The bus fare is £2.90 return (£2 with a valid student card).

It is approximately a ten minute walk onto the Wedgwood site from the bus stop where, if on foot, you arrive at the rear of what looks like an ordinary factory site.  Proceed then through the main doors and navigate your way through the corridors where you will arrive in the Wedgwood shop which is annexed to the museum and the Visitors Centre.  You will always find a helpful staff member to direct you to where you want to go including the factory shop which sells pottery ware at a discounted price.

You choose how to spend your time at the complex and if you opt for the live demonstrations foremost they are easily accessed.  Here you can meet skilled craftsmen and women engaging in the production process where you can throw a pot yourself for the price of £10 which will be packed and posted on to you.  Optional factory tours are also available for a nominal fee.

What one is drawn to at the museum itself is down to preference.  But personally speaking, what does stand out is the exquisite First Day's Vase of 1769 and the Jasper inscripted perambulator dated 1963.  Yes, in those days if you were seen pushing a Wedgwood plaqued pram (with the Jasper insignia) you would be indeed associated with one of the more affluent households.  Although photography is barred from the museum, one can have their photo taken by the virtual portrait medallion interactive that casts your image into a Jasper like frame (see image).  This is a welcomed touch for the visitor.

A visit to the Ivy House restaurant (named after Josiah's original factory) for a cup of Rosie Lee is a must.  It has to be admitted that the older relatives were spot on when they advocated that a cup of tea always tasted nicer out of best china cups.  Costing £1.55 for a cuppa at the Ivy House, you get a china teapot to boot.  Even more authentic are the china vessels featuring the 'Wild Strawberry' pattern to drink your tea from.  Sat sipping tea and with a shudder, the mind cast back to the 'Susie Cooper days' when one used to pack this ware for export.  Thankfully supping tea had the soothing effect.  What's more, tea cosies sort of sprung to mind at this juncture of the tour.

You can have lunch in the restaurant for £7.75 (Beef Bourguignon on that day).  However, if you are on a lighter budget one can visit the staff canteen where a rather 'coolish' Beef Enchiladas with salad and vegetables was on offer for approximately £3.35.  Who was it that coined the phrase 'You get what you pay for no more, no less'?

It can be argued that the Wedgwood Museum and Visitors centre is an interesting experience for those interested in the ceramic industry and more importantly; those fascinated by the veneer of the finished product.  However, the piece in the glass case in the demonstration area featuring Oliver Cromwell (priced at a mere £1500) is perhaps a little out of touch for many.