Two terracotta busts, rescued from the Wedgwood Institute in Burslem, are back on public display for the first time in decades.

The sculptures - believed to depict two notable figures in Burslem's civic and industrial life - are on display at Barewall Art Gallery after being carefully removed during safeguarding work at the Grade II* listed building in Burslem.

The recovery of the busts comes after Stoke-on-Trent became the first in the UK to declare a heritage emergency, and the council committed more than £6.5 million to safeguarding key historic buildings including Burslem Indoor Market, the Wedgwood Institute and Falcon Works.

Amanda Bromley, owner of Barewall Art Gallery, said: "We are honoured to be able to display these important historic busts at Barewall.

"They represent part of Burslem's rich heritage and it is wonderful that people can now see them again after many years out of public view.

"Barewall has always championed the history, creativity and character of the Potteries, so it feels very fitting that these sculptures are now here at Barewall for all to see."

Research suggests the sculptures depict the prominent 19th century figures, William Woodall and James Maddock.

William Woodall served as Liberal MP for Stoke-upon-Trent and Hanley from 1880 to 1885 and played a key role in the creation of the Wedgwood Institute, serving as Secretary to the Institute Committee during the period when the building was constructed.

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He was also known nationally as a supporter of women's suffrage.

James Maddock J.P. was a pottery manufacturer and Mayor of Burslem from 1879 to 1881.

A leading local industrialist, he supported several civic institutions including the Wedgwood Institute and Haywood Hospital and donated the fountain in St John's Square in 1881.

Surviving portraits closely match the Woodall sculpture, while the mayoral chain and inscription visible on the second bust strongly support the identification of Maddock.

The long-term ambition is for the busts to return to display inside a regenerated Wedgwood Institute, allowing them to be seen once again in the building closely connected to both men.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said "These busts represent people who helped shape Burslem's identity and supported institutions like the Haywood Hospital that still serve our communities today.

"They are tangible links to our history and creativity. By retrieving and preserving them during safeguarding work, we have protected an important part of our heritage.

"Bringing them back into public view allows residents to reconnect with Burslem's history and take pride in the role local people played in building our city.

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"Declaring a heritage emergency was about action as well as ambition. This is a practical example of that work already happening."

The busts can be viewed at Barewall Art Gallery, 2-4 Market Place, Burslem, from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.