Blackshaw Moor: The Hope of New Beginnings

20th November – 18th December 2026
The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery, Leek

Discover the story of Leek’s Polish community in this new exhibition marking 80 years since Polish soldiers were resettled at Blackshaw Moor.

Following the Second World War, Polish soldiers and their families came to Britain and began building new lives at Blackshaw Moor. Blackshaw Moor: The Hope of New Beginnings explores their extraordinary journeys, the challenges of starting again and the community they created in Leek.

Curated by the Leek Polish Connection as part of a programme facilitated by OUTSIDE, the exhibition brings together heritage photographs and objects, audio recordings, personal stories and creative displays.

The exhibition explores four key themes: journey and arrival and putting down roots; Wojtek the bear and resilience; integration and the Klucznik family; and Christmas, childhood and continuing traditions.

There will also be a programme of activities every Saturday, with talks, family activities, crafts and creative activities inspired by each of the four themes.

Dates: Friday 20 November – Friday 18 December 2026
Location: The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery, Leek
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am–4pm
Admission: Free

You can arrive at any time during opening hours, so there is no need to book a specific arrival time.

Please note: The exhibition is closed on Sundays.

Access and parking

The museum and art gallery are located on the first floor of the Nicholson Institute. There is step-free access via a lift, and the gallery can also be reached by stairs.

There is no car park on-site, but there are several public car parks within a short distance, including Vicarage Road and Silk Street. Parking spaces cannot be booked in advance.

At particularly busy times, you may be asked to wait for a short time before entering the gallery. Thank you for your patience while we make sure everyone can enjoy the exhibition safely and comfortably.

Suitable for: All ages

Marketing information

The information provided when booking may be shared with the Friends of the Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for future marketing and promotion of the exhibition and related activity.