Middlesbrough was home to one of the most innovative and interesting potteries of the Victorian era. Established in 1879 by John Harrison, a local entrepreneur and Christopher Dresser, an important designer of the time, the pottery went on to produce over 2000 different shapes of ceramic ware in its short 10 year life.

Today Linthorpe pottery is highly collectable. It is very popular locally, but is also known and respected world-wide. Its distinctive mark has made it easily recognizable.

The gallery explains how the pottery came about; who were the people behind it; why they chose a site in Middlesbrough; where the ideas and inspiration sprang from and why the pottery closed. The interpretation also compares other local Victorian potteries and the life and work of Christopher Dresser.

The gallery has 3 free-standing glazed cases of ceramics each with additional material in accessible drawers below illustrating the story of the pottery. There is an additional case of Dresser designed artifacts, mostly metalwork, and a Dresser Coalbrookedale cast iron chair (Lily pattern). Two large 'walk-in' cases show reconstructions of the Linthorpe pottery painting room and 'Dresser & Holmes' London warehouse shop. There are about 600 individual items on display. For 2006 three new cases have been installed to show new acquisitions of Linthorpe, other related pottery as well as items designed by Christopher Dresser.

Two computer interactives illustrate the people and processes of the pottery as well as a fully illustrated searchable database of Linthorpe mould numbers. There are two hands-on installations where children can construct their own version of a Linthorpe pot and guess what is hidden within a 'feelie-box'.

Gallery interpretation also links to various Victorian themes useful for use in National Curriculum studies.