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A series of events & pop up displays organised by independent potters, ceramic artists & other creative contributors from (or closely associated with) Stoke-on-Trent. These inaugural ‘DIY’ activities aim to complement the British Ceramics Biennial (11 September - 17 October 2021) & encourage the development of a more substantial ‘fringe’ programme for future festivals.
A series of initial ‘fringe’ events & DIY pop up displays organised by independent potters, ceramic artists & associated contributors based in (or near) Stoke-on-Trent to complement the British Ceramics Biennial (11 September - 17 October 2021)
*There will be a number of activities & venues across the city added to this ‘self-organised’ programme as & when confirmed. Please keep checking our event listings & social media for details.
As an initial taster of things to come… here’s a selection of ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ (BCB ‘fringe’) activities taking place at Ceramic City Stories, Winkhill Mill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7RH between 11 September - Sunday 17 October 2021)
*Final details to be confirmed; please keep an eye on these event listings & our Twitter channel for updates @PotteriesTiles (other related/linked social media channels will be added here).
‘CLAYHEAD' (Secret Museum) *Friday 10th September - Sunday 17th October: Window showcase & collection of 50 individual small scale ceramic items & related ‘curios’ (to be viewed ‘remotely’ from Swan Street). The window will be open on a regular basis during the following days & times throughout the BCB festival:
Every Thursday (10:00am - 3:00pm)
Every Friday (10:00am - 3:00pm)
Every Saturday morning (9:00am - 12noon)
We will also open as & when possible at other days & times but this is dependent on other commitments. If you plan to visit the BCB outside the regular days & times listed above & would like to view the ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent display; please get in touch with us & we will do our best to open the window showcase to coincide with your visit: hello@ceramiccitystories.info
*Includes Friday 10th September to coincide with launch of Heritage Open Days 2021 & BCB ‘private view’ (although BCB opens to the public on Saturday 11th September.
‘MADE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT’ ONLINE EXHIBITION: The window showcase items can also be accessed online here: (*link to be added here when launched 10:00am on Friday 10th September). This virtual exhibition offers additional information about the items & the makers or contributors. Links (QR codes) will also be displayed within the physical window display to enable visitors with smart phones to Swan Street to access this additional information about the ceramic items, makers or contributors.
*Physical & online exhibitions actually go live from 10:00am Friday 10th September to coincide with the launch of Heritage Open Days 2021 & BCB 20201 (‘private view’).
'POP UP POTTERS' Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October 10: A relaxed & informal gathering of a number of local potters, ceramic artists & creative contributors which aims to compliment & mark the final weekend of British Ceramics Biennial 2021.
This pop up event & showcase taking place over the weekend will take place at Ceramic City Stories’ CLAYHEAD space (Winkhill Mill, Stoke-on-Trent). Participants will make creative use of the interior factory space/surfaces/hanging opportunities. We might even venture outside on the pavement weather permitting!
Public open times 10:30am - 3:30pm on both days (+ ‘Kiln Songs’ on Saturday teatime/evening event between 5:00pm - 8:00pm (see ‘Kiln Songs’ details below).
This is an informal & unashamedly ‘DIY’ opportunity for local artists/ceramicists/creative contributors to gather & bring work to display over/during the two days. It will also offer participants & visitors a relaxed opportunity to meet & chat with one another.
‘Clay Conversations’: There will be a series of very informal 10 minute ‘talks’ by participants on the hour every hour throughout both days (5 each day). This could range from a simple introduction to someone’s work to a ‘point of view’ conversation regarding an aspect of the city’s ceramic heritage or contemporary scene.
KILN SONGS | LATE 5:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday 16th October : An early evening DIY event taking place on the Saturday teatime/early evening 5:00pm - 8:00pm as part off the ‘Pop Up Potters’ weekend hosted by Ceramic City Stories at CLAYHEAD (Winkhill Mill, Stoke-on-Trent). Enjoy an informal & relaxed evening with chilled out chat & gentle live music). Made in Stoke-on-Trent activities are organised by local potters, ceramic artists & other creative contributors & aim to complement & mark the final weekend of the British Ceramics Biennial 2021.
Non alcoholic drinks will be available but you are welcome to BRING A BOTTLE to enjoy at the event.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE; COME & SAY HELLO!
