In 1993, in preparation before building the museum archive and Wells City Archive purpose-built storage building at the rear of the Wells & Mendip Museum on Cathedral Green, archaeologists uncovered an amazing stash of pottery from a demolished cellar in the museum garden. It included exotic pieces of porcelain from China, the largest of its kind ever excavated in the south west.

Many of the plates, tea bowls and other pieces were still largely intact. Researchers have been studying and repairing the collection for the past nine months and are now ready to share the wonderful stories that they have uncovered through the scenes on the porcelain.

The Wells & Mendip Museum is running two workshops for primary aged children and their carers on Wednesday, June 1. The scene will be set and imaginations fired by a storyteller and by an exhibition of the fabulous pottery itself. There are then activities to enjoy, including plate painting, making a porcelain pot, a mock archaeological dig and pottery repair and identification.

Archaeologists and pottery experts will be there to answer questions and lend a hand. The museum team are also hoping to devise a board game full of pirates, lost cargoes, landslides and invitations to take tea.

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England the workshop is included within the cost of a standard family ticket to the museum (£8 per family, up to 2 adults and 3 children), which can be purchased on the door. However, places are limited and booking is recommended. For more information please email [email protected]