The Burton at Bideford celebrates 75 years with 'Let's Clay!', bringing Northern Devon's ceramic heritage to life.

This October, The Burton at Bideford marks its 75th anniversary by transforming its galleries into a working ceramics studio, including the first firing of its 'Kiln in the Park' in 13 years.

Since 1951, The Burton has been bringing world-class arts and culture to Northern Devon. This autumn, the museum will celebrate its anniversary by looking not only to its remarkable past, but towards the future of ceramics and creativity in the region.

 

'Let's Clay!' turns the main galleries at The Burton into a ceramics studio designed by artists Joanne Masding and Sarah Silverwood of co-operative clay studio Modern Clay. For the artists, the studio is "a space of play, testing and exploration". They invite people of all ages to "poke fingers through time", connecting the ancient geology of North Devon clay with the tactile experience of making and the enduring nature of fired ceramics.

Through drop-in sessions, workshops, talks and demonstrations, visitors will be able to connect to clay as material, enjoying ceramics as a living creative practice that continues to bring people together. Artists contributing to the public programme include Simon Bayliss, Edie Evans, Elin Hughes, Taz Pollard, Popalini and Jezando, Clare Twomey and Jam Westwood.

A major highlight of 'Let's Clay!' takes place on 28 October, when The Burton fires its wood-fired Bottle Kiln in Victoria Park for the first time in 13 years. Recently renovated with the support of Bideford Town Council, the kiln will be brought back into use as part of The Burton's 75th Birthday Celebrations.

Twenty invited potters will have work fired in the kiln, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see it in action and experience the drama of a traditional wood firing. Artists taking part include Dylan Bowen, Charlie Collier, Florence Dwyer, Russell Kingston, Vicki Lindo, Elke Lucas, Penny Simpson, Erica Taylor Low and Paul Young.

Ceramics and clay have played a defining role in Northern Devon's history – from the distinctive red and white clays beneath its landscape to the workshops, potteries and port that made Bideford a centre of international trade. During the 17th century, pottery was exported across Britain and the Atlantic, while the region's traditions of making would later influence the development of British studio pottery. Today, Northern Devon remains home to an exceptional community of ceramic artists and makers, whose work continues to build on this remarkable legacy.

'Let's Clay' forms part of a wider programme of work that brings The Burton's ceramics collections into conversation with contemporary practice, including:

• In August, Ceramics Artist in Residence 2026 Edie Evans launched an exhibition of new work exploring the connections between architecture, ceramics and North Devon's clay landscapes.
• In September, The Burton's first Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics) will be appointed with generous support from The Headley Trust, aiming to transform curatorial research into the museum's collections.
• In October, a new public art commission by artist duo Supergroup (John Booth and Ian McIntyre), will launch in Bideford. Led by Torridge District Council, curated by Company Place and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project has been developed with local young people and explores the town's past, present and future through artworks inspired by its geology, pottery tradition and evolving identity.
• In Spring 2027, The Burton's ceramic collections will be reimagined in Ceramic Futures, relocating them to the ground floor of the building to transform public access with support from DCMS/Wolfson Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund and The Headley Trust.

As The Burton celebrates 75 years, this work reflects a wider commitment to investing in people as well as collections, creating opportunities for future generations through research, creativity and participation. By connecting heritage with contemporary creativity, The Burton is ensuring its collections inspire new ideas, skills and stories for years to come.

'Let's Clay' runs from 14th October – 7th November 2026 Free entry. 

Join our 75th Birthday Party Kiln Firing, 28th October, 4-8pm. 

at The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ.  

For more details see www.theburton.org

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'Let's Clay' Image Credits
Puzzle Jug - Illustration by Ryan Ward (Oddasea)
Kiln Firing and Kiln by Ruth Squires
Marcus Stalmanis via Modern Clay