Life-sized paintings from Stoke's acclaimed art collection are now on display in Bethesda Gardens – completely free to visit. The Past Times exhibition showcases brilliant works by British and Irish artists, bringing museum masterpieces directly to the city centre. Giant reproductions of paintings tell stories of everyday life across generations, making art accessible to anyone passing through the gardens.
A striking portrait of Josiah Spode II, the pottery legend, features among the highlights. The exhibition also displays works by celebrated artists John Currie, Roderic O'Conor and Ethel Gabain. June Burnett, who lived and worked in Stoke-on-Trent, is also represented in the collection now on public view.
The outdoor exhibition uses specially designed display structures that proved successful when the National Gallery brought its Art on Your Doorstep show to Stoke. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery has recycled these structures to showcase its own collection while the main art gallery undergoes essential building works as part of a multi-million-pound transformation project.
The life-size prints bring people face-to-face with the paintings in an outdoor setting. This approach makes art accessible to residents and visitors without needing to visit a traditional gallery space. Past Times runs until 31 January 2027, offering an extended opportunity for Stoke residents to explore the city's cultural heritage for free.