Parking up my Triumph Scrambler and passing through the gates of the Gladstone Pottery Museum, I was greeted by an atmospheric orange tunnel depicting the origins of Belstaff in Longton. At the end of the tunnel, a large screen played the voices of Belstaff workers, speaking in their potteries dialect and vividly discussing their experiences with the company. The branding was unmistakeably Belstaff, the voices unmistakeably Stokies, and I felt a surge of nostalgia and pride.

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So what brought Belstaff, the iconic British brand known for its rugged yet stylish outerwear to the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton? Well this year, Belstaff celebrates its 100th anniversary and as part of their centenary celebrations they put on a weekend-long exhibition, nestled in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent. The pre-exhibition promotion promised a deep dive into the brand’s storied past but for me, it was more than just a brand experience—it was a journey into my family’s history.

Belstaff has always been synonymous with craftsmanship and durability. Founded in 1924, the brand’s first factory was a stone’s throw away from Gladstone Pottery Museum on Caroline Street. This return to their roots felt like a long-overdue homecoming, not only for the brand but also for the many families, like mine, who have a personal connection to Belstaff’s legacy. My grandfather was one of the skilled hands that worked at their Longton factory during a transformative era, imbuing each garment with the meticulous care and dedication that defined his generation.

Walking through the beautifully curated displays, I was struck by the stories behind the iconic designs. From the jackets worn by mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington to those sported by motorcycle legend Sammy Miller MBE and actor Steve McQueen, each piece narrated a tale of adventure and resilience. The exhibition, curated with the support of Britain’s most knowledgeable collectors, showcased some of the rarest and most collectible designs up close. Seeing these pieces brought back memories of my grandfather’s tales—of the precision needed to craft each garment so it could withstand the test of time and the elements.

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The Gladstone Pottery Museum, an emblem of British industrial history, was the perfect venue for this event. It mirrored Belstaff’s own journey—a testament to endurance and the ability to adapt while staying true to one’s roots. The venue’s historical ambiance added a profound depth to the experience, making the stories of Belstaff’s past come alive in an almost tangible way.

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The event was more than just a celebration of Belstaff’s centenary. It was a tribute to the people—the skilled craftsmen, the adventurers, and the everyday individuals—who wore and cherished these garments. The proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Friends of The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, supporting the preservation of our local industrial heritage. This gesture underscored the brand’s commitment to giving back to the community that had been a key part of their own journey.

Leaving the exhibition, I felt a profound sense of connection—to my family’s history, to Belstaff’s journey, and to the broader narrative of British craftsmanship.

KILN MOTO

The exhibition wasn’t merely a retrospective; it was a tribute to the human spirit and the lasting legacy of those who built Belstaff from the ground up. As the brand readies itself for another century, it does so on the sturdy foundation laid by all the workers at Belstaff, people like my grandfather, whose passion and perseverance continue to inspire me to this day.

Until next time – work hard, ride safe!

Craig – KILN MOTO