LAUNCHES AT THE MUSEUM OF ROYAL WORCESTER

work. I am delighted that 22 out of 25 Showstopper objects have been generously sponsored so far from a wide range of sectors. The Showstopper Trail showcases Worcester’s heritage of innovation, skill and ambition as a pioneering centre of porcelain manufacture and international giant of the ceramic industry. We are thrilled to share the special stories of our Showstoppers’ and engage audiences with this fascinating and prized part of Worcester’s history. It is exciting to work together with businesses and partners to recognise their support, draw visitors to our heritage city, and inspire people to get creative.”

Reindeer Court becomes a hub for success

Reindeer Court, Worcester, has become a city-centre businesses powerhouse. Over the last year, more and more independent businesses have moved into the shopping area and trade is booming. The area adds to the fantastic offering of independents in Worcester, with 68 per cent of retailers being independents, Worcester is the perfect place to explore this Christmas season.

The Showstopper Trail has now launched! The Showstopper Trail brings Worcester’s arts history into the modern day. Follow the physical trail and scan QR codes that reveal rarely seen, behind-the-scenes archive material concerning 22 fascinating and extraordinary objects in the museum collection.

For the first time businesses, organisations and individuals have joined the Museum of Royal Worcester in supporting the museum and its preservation of Worcester’s porcelain heritage by sponsoring a trail object. You can even hear from sponsors as you tour the trail. The objects and their stories will also be brought to life on film and social media by trustees John Sandon, Philip Serrell and Museum Director, Sophie Heath. This is supported by the stunning online gallery.

Museum Director, Sophie Heath explains: “The Showstopper Trail brings together businesses, supporters, art and design lovers and Worcestershire residents, to celebrate 250 years of excellence in quality and ceramic design. We are excited to launch this opportunity for organisations and individuals to become Showstopper sponsors and join with us to share in and support the museum’s

Charlotte Thornton-Smith of Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors explains: “We are sponsoring the Showstopper ‘Angler under a Willow Teapot’ from 1755. The reason Worcester Porcelain became commercially successful was that they included soapstone in the recipe so it did not crack when boiling water was poured into it, so it could meet the demand for consuming tea from China. Royal Worcester is synonymous with our region and its history. We are delighted to support the museum with its Showstopper Trail which is insightful and exquisite, a perfect showcase. People are our passion and we are dedicated to supporting the communities in which we operate.”

It costs £568 a day to look after and open the museum. Funds from sponsorships of the trail items will help to celebrate and engage with a place of regional and national importance. If you or your organisation would like to take part and support the work at The Museum of Royal Worcester, the museum would love to hear from you.

Find out more at www.museumofroyalworcester.org/ support-us/sponsor-a-showstopper-pot

Izzy’s Ices and Donuts opened their first shop in Reindeer Court, back in 2021, serving up decadent donuts to the city. A year on, they are now moving to a new shop on the High Street and investing in bigger premises to keep up with the demand for sweet treats.

Steve Arthington, owner of Izzy’s Ices and Donuts said “In 2021 many shops in Reindeer Court were empty. With help from Worcester BID, and management changes within Reindeer Court, all the shops are now occupied and footfall has massively increased, resulting in sales for Izzy’s Ices & Donuts going through the roof. This has enabled us to relocate to Cathedral Square on the High Street. We owe our thanks to our supportive customers and Worcester BID.”

These success stories keep on coming, with new venues opening including 2 havens for dog owners, Paw & Co and Hugo and Ted, plant-lovers dream, Plantamamita and Jaks Coffee Shop These newcomers join long standing traders such as Bottles Wine Shop and Merchants and Fuel Clothing

Discover Reindeer Court precinct for yourself and see why Worcester is worth investing in.