- Tamworth Castle museum receives £4,900 from the Museum Development Midlands Open Grant Fund, supported by Arts Council England.
- The funding will support a new community consultation project exploring the industrial heritage of Gibbs & Canning
- Local people are invited to take part in workshops, interviews, and conversations to share stories and shape future heritage engagement.
Tamworth Borough Council is inviting local residents, historians, community groups, and anyone with an interest in ceramics or local heritage, to get involved in an exciting new project exploring the town’s industrial legacy.
The council is proud to announce the launch of a new, inclusive heritage project exploring the legacy of Gibbs & Canning, made possible by a £4,900 grant awarded to Tamworth Castle museum from the Museum Development Midlands Open Grant Fund, with support from Arts Council England.
The project will run from September 2025 to March 2026, and will investigate how the town’s industrial heritage, specifically the influence of Gibbs & Canning, continues to resonate with local communities. The outcomes will help inform future castle programming and potential heritage funding applications.
Project activities will include:
- Creative clay workshops – sensory-friendly, hands-on sessions with a ceramic artist using items from the castle’s Gibbs & Canning collection, including jugs, tiles, and the iconic griffin sculpture.
- Community conversations and interviews – gathering stories, insights, and ideas from local people and heritage groups.
- Consultation report – a summary of community input, access needs, and suggestions for future engagement and exhibitions.
If you would like to get involved, please contact: Emma Carter – Heritage Engagement Coordinator, Tamworth Castle, email: emma-carter@tamworth.gov.uk. We’re keen to hear from anyone with:
- An interest in Gibbs & Canning or local ceramics.
- A desire to participate in creative workshops or community conversations.
- Stories, memories, or photos related to the company and its workers.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage, for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see this exciting new project taking place at Tamworth Castle museum.
“The story of Gibbs & Canning is such an important part of our town’s industrial heritage, and this is a fantastic opportunity for the community to help bring that history to life. We’re particularly pleased to see a focus on inclusive engagement, ensuring people from all backgrounds can get involved, be inspired, and help shape future heritage work in Tamworth.
“Get in touch and help us bring Tamworth’s rich industrial past back to life with your voice, your creativity, and your stories.”
About Gibbs & Canning
Gibbs & Canning was established in 1847 in Tamworth, where it quickly became one of the most important producers of architectural terracotta during the Victorian era. The company is perhaps best known for supplying the entire external terracotta decoration of London’s iconic Natural History Museum, a landmark example of ornate Victorian architecture.
Their influence extended far beyond the UK, with architectural commissions exported internationally to places such as Hong Kong, New Zealand, and other parts of the former British Empire.
In addition to large-scale architectural pieces, Gibbs & Canning also manufactured a wide range of everyday ceramics, including beer jugs, chimney pots, sanitary ware, and pickle jars, products that were commonly used in households across the country.
The company played a significant role in the local economy and community, remaining a major employer in Tamworth until its closure in the 1970s. Its legacy still lives on today: many houses in Tamworth feature original Gibbs & Canning plaques and decorative terracotta elements, serving as everyday reminders of the town’s proud industrial past.
More information about Tamworth Castle and events can be found at: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.