AN exhibition featuring the work of a Victorian designer is continuing to be a big hit with the public.

Middlesbrough's Dorman Museum is hosting an exhibition of the work of Victorian designer Christopher Dresser.

He is perhaps best remembered for his partnership with John Harrison in the launch of the Linthorpe Pottery, which produced more than 2,000 styles of ceramic ware in a decade.

But the exhibition also includes designs for carpets, textiles, ceramics, glass, furniture - including a wrought iron chair - wallpaper, silver and metalware.

More than 11,000 people have visited the exhibition in seven weeks, and people are still visiting the museum to see samples of his work.

The exhibition runs until February 27. Both the Dorman Museum and the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Stewart Park, will be open today and tomorrow, but will be closed on New Year's Day.

They will re-open for one day on Sunday, after which they will remain closed until January 8.

The Dorman Museum will focus on the work of young collectors in the new year and will host an exhibition about a 19th Century plant collector.

The museum is also to play host to an exhibition of facsimiles of the Lindisfarne Gospels in May and will mark the 300th anniversary of lord of the manor William Hustler, of Acklam Hall.

There will also be photographic and painting exhibitions and a salute to the 150th anniversary of Middlesbrough Fire Brigade.

Published: 30/12/2004