A festival celebrating the art that made Stoke-on-Trent has opened.

Lead Director Paul Brammer was joined by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent , Cllr Lyn Sharpe, to declare the festival open. Cllr Sharpe then led a procession to Stoke Minster which along with the Spode Museum is one of six venues for the event.

Stoke on Clay launched with a pre-show at the Spode Museum, Stoke, on Saturday (September 7).

Running from September 8 to October 19, Stoke on Clay is a unique event run entirely by volunteers. Paul Brammer said the festival celebrated both a “city shaped by ceramics” and was founded on a love for Stoke-on-Trent and ceramics.

More than 60 potters from across the globe, with a strong local Staffordshire presence. have work displayed at the event. Pieces were chosen following a call for entries which proved so popular that the organisers had to open a reserve list.

“Here we have work from potters who are just setting out on building their craft and acclaimed ceramicists. Stoke on Clay is home to world class art,” said Paul.

A festival was held in 2023, but this year’s event has more than doubled in size and added additional attractions, including Heritage Open Day Walking Tours, on September 14,  a How to Make A Dragon workshop by Freddie Scragg, at Spode Museum, also on September 14,  and  a tour of Duchess China, Longton, on September 24. A full list of events is available online at www.stokeonclay.com/events.

Unlike many festivals, all pieces shown at Stoke on Clay are for sale and business was brisk at the prelim event.

Among work on show at the Spode Museum was a giant crocodile head which will be completed during the festival by an artist in residence.

The Stoke on Clay venues are the Spode Museum and Stoke Minster in the town of Stoke, the Brampton Museum, Newcastle, and Barewall Gallery and Lost and Found Projects, Burslem, and the Clay College, Middleport.

The festival is run by four volunteer directors, Paul and Eleni Brammer, Jan Roberts, and Simon Drakeford, who were drawn together through a combined passion for ceramics and a love for Stoke-on-Trent. They work alongside festival coordinator Caroline Kisielewicz.

The event relies on voluntary support from individuals and companies, including lead sponsors Excesios BDD, Kyriacou Photography, Midland Garage Conversions, Cromartie, HSL Photography,   T.D. Thursfield nurseries, James Kent Group, Howle Communications, Berners Marketing, Zip Clip, Sempar Accountancy, Zip Clip, Pot Clays, Huws Gray, and Karl Reed Painting and Decorating.

The organisers would like to thank Silverdale-based Best of British Beer for providing drinks at the preview show reception.  

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle. Telephone 0776 2043436, email [email protected]