2nd March – 21st April

Have you ever wondered about Rugeley Power Station? What it was like to work there, what the cooling towers were for, or why it was located there?

Creative Approaches is a term which reflects the wide variety of styles, ideas, sources and methods which characterise Oddfellows Arts. They are a collaboration of artists from the West Midlands working in a range of media, including printers, potters, painters and textile specialists, all enjoying their own unique ways of interpreting what they observe and how they feel. Their inspiration is drawn from the natural world, from observation, from experimentation and play – and from each other. They work in two or three dimensions, using pattern, colour and texture in both subtle and striking creations. The museum is pleased to welcome back Oddfellows Arts for a second exhibition.

27th April – 16th June

The history of Staffordshire has been shaped by the rich wealth of resources found beneath our feet. In this family friendly exhibition we explore the rocks, minerals and soils found below the ground, and how these natural resources have helped shaped the county we know today.

You can find out about the people who worked in coal mining, iron working, pottery making and other industries which have altered the landscape.  Large areas of Staffordshire are still agricultural, but these too have undergone great changes. The extraction of these materials and the pollution from industry have affected the environment, but much is being done to heal the landscape.

Featuring objects and documents from Staffordshire Archive & Heritage’s collections, explore Staffordshire’s past and find out what lies under foot.

22nd June – 18th August

The museum is delighted to welcome back local artist Matt Sayers with an exhibition of his latest works depicting the history of our local area.

‘There was a time when the word ‘industry’ meant a great deal to everyone, when generations followed in their family’s footsteps and something that wasn’t beautiful & shiny was thought of as gold. In this exhibition, I aim to show the beautiful side of hard graft and darkness, from 1,600 ft underground working under extreme conditions to the camaraderie of being part of Britian’s industrial history.’

This is a collection of brand-new artworks, using charcoal sticks and under very low lighting to recreate the effect of recording underground what was happening, there and then.

24th August – 12th October

Cut to the Chase is an exhibition of drawings, paintings and collage by professional artists David Gleeson, Lisa Henderson and Mark Lippett.

The how is inspired by Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and designated a National Landscape. Each of the artists has visited the forest for many years and have now come together to bring you a collection of their work featuring scenes and landscapes from the area, and to share the beauty of this very special landscape.