Coalport China Museum

EXTRAORDINARY CERAMICS & CRAFTSMANSHIP

For more than a century, spectacular china travelled from the kilns of Coalport across the globe.

See examples of the china that delighted Queens and Tsars and try your hand at creating your own ceramic artwork in our workshop.

Coalport China Museum

Explore a former chinaworks

In the past Coalport was famous for the quality of its china.

  • Stand inside a kiln and learn how Coalport china was made
  • See up close our collections of Caughley and Coalport china
  • Discover beautiful china made for prestigious occasions from Great Exhibitions to coronations
Coalport China Museum (11)

Traditional techniques today

In the workshop and studio china making continues today.

  • See museum staff making saggars and clay ornaments
  • Pick up a unique gift made at the museum in the shop
Painting at Coalport

Have a go!

If you're feeling inspired by your visit, get creative!

  • Pick up a paintbrush and decorate a clay object in the studio
  • Attend one of the museum's regular adult craft workshops and have a go at making your own clay object

Parking information

Please note parking charges apply across all museum car parks. PASS PLUS and Friends can park for free during their daytime visit by validating their PASS PLUS at the front desk on arrival.

You can pay for parking with a debit/credit card at machines on-site or online within 48 hours of your visit.

Green Man Workshop

Adult craft workshops

Give yourself, friends or family the chance to get hands-on and have a go at a traditional craft in our adult craft workshops.

Taking place throughout the year the workshops are designed for all abilities.

Book a workshop

What's coming up

The Iron Bridge In The Ironbridge Gorge Credit Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust 2

Experience Ironbridge your way

To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve created tailored itineraries to guide you around our sites in the Ironbridge Gorge.

Ironbridge itineraries

Coalport China Museum 10

Ready to book?

From single day tickets to our annual passes, choose a ticket which suits your needs.

For great value, save £5 when you purchase a PASS PLUS online.

Book tickets

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A potted history of Coalport

Coalport China Museum is located inside the former Coalport China Works. Coalport China Works was established in 1796 by John Rose, who had previously worked at the Caughley works in Jackfield. Access to the nearby Hay Inclined Plane facilitated the transportation of goods and materials and helped Coalport become a major centre for fine quality china in the 1800s.

For more than a century, Coalport China Works were among the most successful of their kind anywhere in the world. In its heyday, Coalport won many gold medals and prizes for its work at international exhibitions, including the 1851 Great Exhibition held in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. The company occupied the factory until its closure in 1926. 

History of the museums

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