The Friends

The Friends of Nantgarw China was formed in 1993 and is a regsistered charity. The fundamental aim of the Friends is to help restore Nantgarw House and the china works site with a focus on the education potential of the site.

The friends of Nantgarw China Works Museum was formed  shortly after the pottery house was purchased by Taff  -  Ely Borough Council , mainly as the result of representations made to the Council by many of the individuals who were in due course to establish The Friends of Nantgarw China Works (The Friends).

Over the years the Friends numbers have dwindled due to the passing of many of the original members, members whose enthusiasm helped prevent the further decay of this important and historical site.

In 1999 the friends,  with help from a local builder, whose help was free , restored the pipe works .

In 2001 scheduled monument consent was given to reconstruct and consolidate Kiln number one. The Friends secured a grant of £10,000 from the Esmee Fairbaim Foundation, £12,000 from CADW and provided the remaining £2,000 required for the project. This kiln dating from the 19th century has six fireboxes and is the largest of the three kilns on the site. Also in this year a new classroom building was completed by the Friends.

Today, along with some of the original members a new group of  friends have come together with the intention of carrying on the restoration .Our members are a mix of collectors of Nantgarw Porcelain and local people whose prime interest is to see continued reconstruction  of  The Nantgarw China Works Museum.

As with all museums, Nantgarw China Works depends on Volunteers and new Friends are needed to carry on the work started in 1993.

Oversea friends are welcome. Recieve our newsletters via E Mail   Membership   £10

If you would like to help or just join The Friends please call or E.Mail Mr Jeff Pugh on  01656 862908   alanpugh@hotmail.co.uk

At present we have 75  members(Friends)but we would like a lot more. We hold talks at the Museum during the Autumn and Spring, October to December and February to April.  We look for guest speakers, who kindly come along and give us talks on a variety of subjects including ceramics. We finish with tea, coffee and home made cakes.  Why not come along and listen to one of our talks before you decide to become a member. I’m confident you will. We also hold an Antique Fair every May BH Monday at Nantgarw House, the next one will be on Monday 7th of May 2012. 10.am to 5.pm  If there is anything else you would like to know please contact me on the above telephone number or E.mail address.      

 DON’T FORGET TO COME AND SEE US AT OUR ANNUAL ANTIQUE FAIR AT NANTGARW HOUSE ON BH MONDAY THE 7TH OF MAY

 

 

We are pleased to announce that the world famous ceramics expert Henry Sandon M B E has become an honorary member of the Friends of Nantgarw