Beautiful objects, fascinating stories
There are over 2,000 objects in the Stradling Collection including studio and commercial ceramics, glass, sculpture, furniture, industrial design as well as works of art. It is widely recognised as being of national significance and is a real gem in the South West. It is also eclectic and fun and most people who visit enjoy a few “Oooh – we had one of those!” moments.
The Collection holds many stories about its objects, the makers, 48 Park Row and Bristol’s place in the history of craft and design, all vividly brought to life by our Curator, Tanya Martin (pictured).
An architect and ceramicist herself, Tanya’s fascinating tours of the Collection are a real journey through the alchemy and magic of craft and design.
Upcoming Tours
Saturday 22 March 11:00-12:30 – a part of Bristol Gallery Weekend
Wednesday 23 April 17:00-18:30
Thursday 22 May 17:00-18:30
Saturday 28 June 11:00-12:30
Upcoming Talks
Wednesday 5 March, 17:30-18:30 £15
One Man’s Passion for Design, evening talk with refreshments
Wednesday 2 April 13:00-14:00, Free (booking recommended)
Conscious Clay
Wednesday 7 May 13:00-14:00, Free (booking recommended)
Conscious Clay
Thurs 19 June, 17:30-19:00, £15
The Collection as Ken’s legacy, evening talk with refreshments
Booking enquiry
Please ensure you have read the booking terms below before booking.
Are you a part of an organisation, society, or group who are interested in design history? We also take private bookings for talks and tours. We’re happy to adapt either tour or talk to cater to a group’s particular interests, and with over 2000 objects, there’s something for everyone.
Please use the form below to register your interest in a private tour or talk.
Booking terms and accessibility
- Minimum number of bookings required for a tour to go ahead – 4
- £15 per person: you will be sent a link for payment once the date and booking have been confirmed and agreed, or you can pay card or cash upon arrival.
- After payment, places are non-refundable but may be transferred to a later date
- Tours last approx. 1.5 hours
- Unsuitable for wheelchair users and those unable to use stairs
- Group bookings available by arrangement
- Minimum charge for a tour – £60
- Maximum number for a tour – 10
Reviews from tour attendees
Just back from a wonderful visit to The Stradling Collection @StradlingColl Thank you to Tanya for a fascinating tour. I really recommend a visit if you are in #bristol and particularly if you love #ceramics pic.twitter.com/qYzH9Wcdav
— Rachel McNally (@RachelMcNa) December 10, 2022
“The exhibition did a wonderful job of capturing Ken Stradling’s eye for the beauty and function in the objects around him.
“We were drawn in to the story of Ken Stradling’s life and his collection through Tanya’s captivating storytelling. She provided a rich history of the pieces in the collection as she told us the story of a piece and placed each in the history of the artistic or architectural movement, or historic, cultural moment it represented. We also heard stories of the lives of the artists who created the work, as well as the relationship of the pieces in the collection to Bristol, and to Ken Stradling himself. Tanya’s enthusiasm was contagious and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
“Thank you Tanya!”
“Thank you for a highly energetic and interesting tour of the collection, I think you pitched it about right for the students, with lots of anecdotes and questions, keeping them on their toes! For the students it was a really good introduction to the world of design history. We will be back in touch again next year; I am sure we will want to repeat it at a similar time when their exams are finished. Thank you once again for a great day.”
“How completely fascinating. You made our visit so interesting.”
“Really opened my mind to design”
“I want to thank you again for the introduction to the wonderful Stradling Collection.
“I loved what I saw with the help of your commentary on most of the objects, and to see at close quarters your inspiring selection of chairs. I’ll certainly make an effort to visit more often in future.”