Belstaff to stage centenary exhibition built on its Stoke-on-Trent roots

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 1, 2024

As part of its centenary celebrations Belstaff is heading back to its 1924 birthplace. The outdoor fashion retailer to present an immersive brand experience and exhibition of its design archive for the very first time in Stoke-on-Trent. 

The brand will take over the Gladstone Pottery Museum for one weekend (25-26 May) with the exhibition exploring the history of Belstaff “from industrial innovators in the Midlands to becoming the leaders in motorcycle and outdoor, all-weather clothing”. 

And, of course, the Belstaff’s “deep and unique connection” to motorcycling will be highlighted with a space dedicated to the Trialmaster, including the display of Hollywood legend and motorcycling enthusiast Steve McQueen’s original jacket.

The brand’s long history as a designer/retailer of outdoor apparel will also be brought to life through displays of its 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. 

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 event will also include an Archive Yard Sale on 26 May, bringing together some of the UK’s top vintage collectors for a special, one-off market. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to charity.

Finally, Belstaff will also be holding a reunion for ex-factory workers at Gladstone on 25 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”.