W.H.Goss Falcon Works, Sturgess St, two glost ovens in a single storey range

Nigel Shuttleworth
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W.H.Goss Falcon Works, Sturgess St, two glost ovens in a single storey range
W.H.Goss Falcon Works, Sturgess St, two glost ovens in a single storey range

William Henry Goss moved into the Falcon Works, Sturgess St, Stoke in 1870 producing heraldic china and ivory porcelain busts known as Parian-ware (see www.flickr.com/photos/nigelphoto2011/52867115768/). In 1929 the business was purchased by Cauldon Potteries but ceased production during WW2 and despite the site having been acquired by the Portmeirion Group in 1961, the Falcon Works has been vacant since 1944. The two coal fired ovens in the single storey range were used to fire the 'glost', the second stage of firing after the 'bisque' has been decorated and dipped in liquid glaze. For a further explanation on W.H.Goss' pot production see www.flickr.com/photos/nigelphoto2011/52879762256/. Having lain empty and derelict for nearly 80 years, in Jan 2021 the Falcon Works was purchased by a London based property development company which submitted plans for a five storey block of flats. In a nod to the Grade II listing, the developers agreed to renovate the two bottle ovens in the range and designated it as a dedicated bicycle lock-up. Ticks two boxes that one does, the historic building is restored and the 'bicycle' bit keeps the Greens on the Council happy – only it seems it didn't! The planning application was rejected by Stoke City Council because there was no affordable housing and it was deemed to be not in keeping with the existing buildings. The next act in this never-ending saga was a very damaging fire on 10th July 2022 which the Police concluded was arson . . . . . . Really? A historic listed building in Stoke-on-Trent goes up in flames when a planning application is refused? Well thats a surprise! Then in August 2022 the development company was prosecuted for failing to keep its promise to maintain the Grade II listed bottle ovens and was fined £666 (bit ominous that figure, maybe the presiding Magistrate knew more about the developers than he's letting on?!). And thats the story of almost every historically important listed building in The Potteries. Perhaps with a new Council this week we might see a change of policy? Just don't hold yer breath! Taken with a 1976 Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Alpha 1 on Polaroid (TIP) film.

Attribution No Derivative Works Some rights reserved
Taken on: May 12, 2023
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