27/10/2026
DISCOVER THE STORY BEHIND THE PORTRAITS – THE CARTWRIGHT FAMILY OF STONE
From local millers to prominent figures in Staffordshire society – discover a fascinating chapter of Stone's history!
Stone Heritage Centre is delighted to present a special exhibition featuring four historic portraits of the Cartwright family, whose story is closely intertwined with the town's past.
The portraits depict Thomas and Elizabeth Cartwright and their children, Henry and Eliza, members of a family whose roots in Stone stretch back to the eighteenth century.
The family's story begins at Aston Mill, where Thomas Cartwright followed in his family's milling tradition. Over the years, the family's fortunes grew, and Thomas became a respected Staffordshire gentleman, eventually serving as High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1841.
Despite their growing prosperity and wider connections, the family never lost its ties with Stone.
These remarkable portraits offer a rare opportunity to put faces to the names and discover the people behind an important part of our town's industrial and social heritage.
Come along to Stone Heritage Centre and discover their story for yourself! The Heritage Centre is open to the public Thursday - Saturday from 11.00am - 4.00pm.
Stone Town Council extends its sincere thanks to members of the Cartwright family and their heirs for generously loaning these portraits from their private collection.
