Discovering local history

We can understand east London’s history through the things its residents have produced, connecting us to our shared heritage and changing our perspective on the places we live.

V&A curators and conservators worked with art and science A-Level students from the nearby Harris Academy Chobham to analyse the material properties of the east London pottery you see here. One student explained: ‘Learning about the Bow Porcelain Factory I now know that Newham has a great history and that we are part of a global history.’

Written by: Georgia Haseldine, Senior Curator of V&A East Storehouse
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
T.86:1, 2-2015
Title/Description
Tracksuit
Artist/Maker
Joe Bates
Location
London
Date
2012
Materials/Techniques
Jersey, Viscose, Nylon, Elastane, Printing
Object information
Museum Number
W.80-1983
Title/Description
Faldstool
Artist/Maker
Brooks, James
Location
Great Britain
Date
1866
Materials/Techniques
Oak, Turning, Carving
Object information
Museum Number
C.220-1940
Title/Description
Beaker
Artist/Maker
Bow Porcelain Factory
Location
Bow
Date
ca. 1755
Materials/Techniques
Porcelain, Painted, Gilded
Object information
Museum Number
C.1246/&A-1924
Title/Description
Vase and cover
Artist/Maker
Bow Porcelain Factory
Location
Bow
Date
ca. 1747-49
Materials/Techniques
Soft paste porcelain, Enamels, Painted
Object information
Museum Number
35-1876
Title/Description
Figure
Artist/Maker
Bow Porcelain Factory
Location
Bow
Date
ca. 1760-1765
Materials/Techniques
Soft-paste porcelain, Painting (image-making)
Object information
Museum Number
414:95-1885
Title/Description
Winter
Artist/Maker
Bow Porcelain Factory
Location
London
Date
ca. 1760-1765
Materials/Techniques
Porcelain, Painted, Gilded
Object information
Museum Number
C.60-1929
Title/Description
Vase
Artist/Maker
Bow Porcelain Factory
Location
Bow
Date
ca. 1755
Materials/Techniques
Soft paste porcelain, Painted
Object information