The Falcon Works Hanley, was owned by J. H. Weatherby & Sons Ltd who established a works on site in 1891. The works originally specialized in earthenware but later went on to produce fine porcelain. The former extant hovel kiln most likely dates from the 1890s, although the inner kiln has undoubtedly been replaced many times since this date and is most likely mid 20th Century.
Originally the works had 5 kilns, but 3 where relocated to the south of the site in 1906 when the firm expanded. During this expansion the front range was added providing a new façade to the main street. Before the construction of the Potteries Way, the street was the main road north out of Hanley and was lined with many small potteries.
The firm continued to grow slowly between and after the wars, first branching into hotel-wares, then later collectables. By the 1970s the firms expansion was hindered by planning control and by 2000 the works finally closed. At its height the works employed 200, by 2000 it employed 10.
A very relaxed explore on a beautiful morning, but such a shame to see the place in such a bad way.
Into the main works, I was surprised at the size of the place
Ovens
A small workshop at the back of the works
The bottle kiln was apparently built in 1906 and unfortunately collapsed back in 2012
Piles of moulds in part of the stores
Some finished product up on the second floor
The top floor was sketchy as fook with the structure being practically roofless for several years
Stacks and stacks of unglazed stuff lay scattered around
From here on I went to Wade Heath but unfortunately the place was like Fort Knox!
Originally the works had 5 kilns, but 3 where relocated to the south of the site in 1906 when the firm expanded. During this expansion the front range was added providing a new façade to the main street. Before the construction of the Potteries Way, the street was the main road north out of Hanley and was lined with many small potteries.
The firm continued to grow slowly between and after the wars, first branching into hotel-wares, then later collectables. By the 1970s the firms expansion was hindered by planning control and by 2000 the works finally closed. At its height the works employed 200, by 2000 it employed 10.
A very relaxed explore on a beautiful morning, but such a shame to see the place in such a bad way.
Into the main works, I was surprised at the size of the place
Ovens
A small workshop at the back of the works
The bottle kiln was apparently built in 1906 and unfortunately collapsed back in 2012
Piles of moulds in part of the stores
Some finished product up on the second floor
The top floor was sketchy as fook with the structure being practically roofless for several years
Stacks and stacks of unglazed stuff lay scattered around
From here on I went to Wade Heath but unfortunately the place was like Fort Knox!
