Belstaff celebrates its centenary with "Our First 100 Years" - an archive exhibition and series of brand events in our home town of Stoke-on-Trent. Belstaff is pleased to announce the latest in a series of special projects and events to celebrate its centenary. Returning to Stoke-on-Trent, the birthplace of Belstaff in 1924, the brand will take over the Gladstone Pottery Museum for one weekend (Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th May 2024) to present an immersive brand experience and exhibition of its design archive for the very first time.
The exhibition will explore the history of Belstaff from industrial innovators in the Midlands to becoming the leaders in motorcycle and outdoor, all-weather clothing. Belstaff’s deep and unique connection to motorcycling will be highlighted with a space dedicated to the iconic Trialmaster, including the display of Hollywood legend and motorcycling enthusiast Steve McQueen’s original jacket. The brand’s long history as purveyors of outdoor apparel will also be brought to life through displays of archive outerwear, including some of the original pieces designed for and worn by Sir Chris Bonington in collaboration with Belstaff for his legendary climb of ‘The Ogre’ in 1977.
Earlier this year, Belstaff launched a new coffee table book ‘Belstaff: Our First 100 Years’, exploring the brand’s history and extensive research archive. The brand worked closely with leading vintage collectors from around the globe to source some of the earliest archive pieces for the book, some of which will be displayed for the first time at the exhibition. People have always been at the heart of Belstaff, and a series of social activities will take place over the weekend to give back to the local community.
Some of the people who worked for Belstaff - amongst them pattern cutters, machinists and factory supervisors - were featured in the book through new photo essays and researched images. Belstaff will be holding a reunion for ex-factory workers at Gladstone on Saturday 25th May as a way of celebrating the people who helped to build the business, many of whom still live locally and remain an integral part of Belstaff’s history. The Archive Yard Sale will also take place on Sunday 26th May, bringing together some of the UK’s top vintage collectors for a special, one-off market.
All proceeds from ticket sales over the weekend will go to Friends of the Potteries Museum, a registered charity with a mission to promote, support and improve The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and The Gladstone Pottery Museum. The exhibition will also look at Belstaff’s future, and will play host to the final stage of its inaugural Cloudmaster project - a talent incubator and prize fund for the next generation of design talent, in partnership with the Manchester Fashion Institute. The finalists’ designs will be prototyped and displayed at Gladstone Pottery and the winner will be announced after a panel discussion with the project’s judging panel - hosted by author and menswear journalist, Charlie Porter.
The ‘OUR FIRST 100 YEARS’ exhibition is the latest in a series of special projects, capsule collections and collaborations to celebrate the brand’s centenary, which kicked off in March with the launch of the book and will continue throughout 2024.
You can download the full Press Release here.
Hey there,
The summer has been a busy time for Made in Stoke...
We planned a big event on Thursday 12th September, that showcased Made in Stoke to friends and colleagues nationwide.
We are excited about new plans we can share in a few months about the city's centenary in 2025.
We are collaborating with many schools and colleges with our new speakers in schools concept. If you want to get involved and have a great story that will entertain and inspire the future leaders of tomorrow across the city, keep reading and sign up.
Finally, we are very close to launching the
fantastic MIS Tees and will share a separate bulletin soon.
I wish you all the best, and if you have great
ideas we can all collaborate on, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Dwain McDonald
Executive Chair, Made In Stoke
Share your story
and inspire the next generation.
We’re excited to launch the "Speaking in Schools" collaboration between local schools and the Made in Stoke Community this September. With ten brilliant speakers already on board, we’re looking for more individuals to help raise aspirations in schools and colleges across Stoke-on-Trent.
If you’ve got an inspiring story—whether it’s about your business life, military experience, or building a career somewhere in the world—now’s your chance to share it.
Share your bio, LinkedIn profile, and let us know if you’re interested in trustee or governor roles.
Let’s work together to raise aspirations in our community!
Made in Stoke
shares key learnings on place-based philanthropy.
Last Thursday, Made in Stoke was delighted to share insights on setting up a place-based philanthropy network with colleagues from across the UK at Staffordshire University’s Catalyst Building.
Co-hosted by Cath Dovey from the Beacon Collaborative, the event welcomed 30 guests, including representatives from the Department for Media, Culture and Sport. We discussed ways to boost giving and unlock philanthropy networks nationwide.
We’re excited to continue this important conversation with 40 representatives from 25 different areas in the UK this spring, with Stoke leading the charge!
Empower the next generation
through project-based learning.
We’re excited to announce that Made in Stoke is partnering with the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College to launch a project-based learning initiative. We’re looking for local business leaders and employers who are passionate about empowering young people.
This is your chance to collaborate with educators, helping students develop real-world skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital expertise.
It’s a minimal time
commitment, with around 10 hours across the project, and no costs involved!
Interested in shaping future talent?
...one last thing.
Something exciting is brewing at Made in Stoke.
Stay tuned
for what’s coming soon! 👀
#iammadeinstoke
Please help us spread the word and share the message of Made in Stoke, whether in the city or around the world. Use the hashtag on your socials to show your support and connect with our global community.
Sharing your stories and photos can help us reach more people and showcase our pride in our wonderful city. Let's get the message out there and celebrate Stoke together!
if you want to volunteer, offer your expertise or financially invest in the city - we can link you to the right opportunities and organisations to help make this happen. Please get in touch with us at [email protected]
