DYCP: Studio & Workshop (3D Virtual Tour)

January 2021

Take a virtual look at the dedicated workspace set up for Danny Callaghan’s 6 month artist residency at The Firing Line. The studio & workshop has been created by adapting & re-purposing the existing CLAYHEAD pop up. This DIY resource was established by Ceramic City Stories CIC to house Secret Museum; a public programme of community sourced collection of Stoke-on-Trent ceramics, archives & related shared stories. It has also offered support to artists & community activists over recent years. Unfortunately, Secret Museum has been disrupted since March 2019 by the Covid 19 pandemic. However, it is envisaged that it will return later in 2021 albeit with perhaps limited access & an adapted model (funding dependent).

Click on the image link below to get an idea of the workspace…

DYCP: The Firing Line (3D Virtual Tour)

January 2021

Take a virtual look at the wonderful tile works & focus for Danny Callaghan’s 6 month artist residency. The Firing Line, Stoke-on-Trent. This unique firm manufactures high quality handmade ceramic tiles using traditional skills & 100 year old cast iron ‘dust presses’. It is owned by Richard Wilshaw who operates it with his brother Steve. The company is based at Winkhill Mill; an early 1900s factory building near Stoke Town Centre built on the site of one of Minton Hollins’ historical tile works (Cliff Bank Works). 

Click on the image link below for a virtual look behind-the-scenes at The Firing Line’s main production space. You can explore the fascinating machinery & materials including the rare c.100 year old ‘dust presses’…

DYCP: Artist-in-Residence (Introduction)

The Firing Line

January - June 2021

Thanks to a welcome & timely ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ investment from Arts Council England; Danny Callaghan will spend the next 6 months as de facto Artist-in-Residence at The Firing Line, Stoke-on-Trent. The company manufactures high quality ceramic tiles using traditional techniques & c.100 year old ‘dust presses’.

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“This exciting collaboration will enable me to concentrate on & develop my own studio practice. I will work in close contact with tile makers Richard & Steve Wilshaw to understand, deconstruct & disrupt traditional production methods & thinking. I will develop a range of new creative & technical skills through informal but structured ‘learning by doing’. This activity will culminate in a collection of new ceramic products, tests & experimental samples. A selection will also form the basis for a ‘window display’ at Winkhill Mill which can be viewed safely from Swan Street.”

— Danny Callaghan

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