Blackshaw Moor: The Hope of New Beginnings

Wednesday 18th November 2026
The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery, Leek

Join us for the official opening of Blackshaw Moor: The Hope of New Beginnings, a special exhibition celebrating 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 in the Staffordshire Moorlands. This exhibition explores their journeys, the challenges of starting again and the community they established 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 official opening will be an opportunity to celebrate this important piece of local history and recognise the people and families whose stories are at the heart of the exhibition.

Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Location: The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW
Admission: Free, by invitation only. Advance registration required

Please note: This is a private, invitation-only event. Tickets are non-transferable and registration is required for each guest.

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. An accessible entrance to the building is located to the left hand side of the front staircase.

There is no accessible toilet in the Museum & Art Gallery. The nearest accessible toilet is on Silk Street Car Park.

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.