WREXHAM'S considerable contribution to the story of brick, tile and terracotta manufacture forms the foundation for a new exhibition.

From mid-19th Century up to as late as 2008, Wrexham was known world-wide for its manufacture and international distribution of bricks, tiles and terracotta products.

Nicknamed ‘Terracottapolis’, Wrexham produced distinctively red bricks and decorative tiles that have been used extensively in some of the grandest buildings across the British Isles.

Now, a new exhibition will utilise artefacts from Wrexham Museum’s collection.

Tales From Terracottapolis is a partnership project between Tŷ Pawb and Wrexham Museum and Archives.

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A highlight of the exhibition will be The Brick Man by Antony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead.

The Brick Man is a 6ft model for a proposed 120ft tall sculpture that was selected from a competition for an inner-city site at the Holbeck Triangle near Leeds City Station in the late 1980s.

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The full-scale sculpture was never realised after it ran into objections from city planners.

The model and archive for the project in the collection of Leeds Museums and Galleries are now all that remains. Accompanying the model will be archive material from the planning stages of the sculpture. 

The loan of The Brick Man from Leeds Museums & Galleries is supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund.

The exhibition also acts as a partner to Lydia Meehan’s Wal Pawb commission which launched in 2020.

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Wal Pawb is a biennial commission of six artworks to be displayed across two Tri-Vision billboards within Tŷ Pawb.

Wrexham’s prolific tile and terracotta industry formed the visual and conceptual basis for Lydia Meehan’s publication, titled ‘Everybody’s Wall and Other Meeting Points’.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s lead member for communities, partnerships, public protection and community safety, said: “The manufacturing of bricks, tiles and terracotta was once a major part of Wrexham’s industry, with products being shipped for construction projects all over the UK.

“Famous names such as Dennis of Ruabon are still recognised across the country and fondly remembered by many local people.

“Tales From Terracottapolis will celebrate this story, weaving original local artefacts together with contemporary artworks. I hope the exhibition will be enjoyed by many who were part of this industry and that it will also help us introduce a brand new audience to Wrexham’s rich industrial and manufacturing heritage.”

'Tales from Terracottapolis' will be on show from March 19 to June 11.

Gallery opening times: 10am-4pm, Monday-Saturday.