Celebrate the Past: Look to the Future

Explore an eclectic mix of historic & contemporary tiles, exquisite technical (re)drawings & archive film exhibited in the evocative surroundings of a traditional ceramic tile works; in one of The Potteries’ hidden historic gems!

This exciting exhibition has been created and curated by artists Danny Callaghan (Ceramic City Stories, Stoke-on-Trent) and Craig Peebles (Welby & Wright, Edinburgh). It reflects a two-year creative collaboration driven by a shared love for tiles and architectural ceramics. Guests will be able to meet and chat with the two artists during the day.

Artist Ruth Impey (Glasgow) has contributed an additional display telling the fascinating story of Scotland’s forgotten industrial potteries (50 Pots). Contemporary work also featured includes ‘Glasgow Smogware’ & the monumental ‘Beithir’ mosaic sculpture at Stockingfield Bridge made in partnership with artist Louise Nolan (Make It Glasgow) & community participants. Both artists will be available to chat at various times when the exhibition is open & throughout the ‘finale evening event’.

Visitors will also be able to glimpse behind the scenes of The Firing Line, a manufacturer that still produces ‘dust press’ tiles using 100 year old technology and traditional techniques.

We hope you enjoy this collection of new artworks, historical artefacts and #SharedStories.

OPENING DATES & TIMES

(*To coincide with British Ceramics Biennial 2023):

Fri 29th Sept 10am - 3pm (Exhibition Artists Craig Peebles, Ruth Impey & Danny Callaghan will be ‘in residence’ & on hand to speak with visitors)

*5 - 8pm Drinks Reception (limited availability, booking required click here)

Sat 30th Sept 10am - 3pm (Exhibition Artists Craig Peebles, Ruth Impey & Danny Callaghan will be ‘in residence’ & on hand to speak with visitors) *3pm closing time

*Please note: Exhibition closed Thur 5th Oct

Fri 6th Oct 10am - 3pm

Sat 7th Oct 10am - 1pm

Thur 12th Oct 10am - 1pm *early close

Fri 13th Oct 10am - 3pm

Sat 14th Oct 10am - 1pm

*Please note: Exhibition closed Thur 19th, Fri 20th, Sat 21st Oct

Thur 26th Oct 10am - 3pm

Fri 27th Oct 12:30 - 3pm *12:30 opening time

Sat 28th Oct 10am - 1pm

Thur 2nd Nov 10am - 3pm

Fri 3rd Nov 10am - 3pm (Exhibition Artists Craig Peebles, Ruth Impey & Danny Callaghan will be ‘in residence’ & on hand to speak with visitors)

*5 - 8pm Finale Drinks Reception (limited availability, booking required click here)

Sat 4th Nov 10am - 1pm (Exhibition Artists Craig Peebles, Ruth Impey & Danny Callaghan will be ‘in residence’ & on hand to speak with visitors)

*If you are visiting Stoke-on-Trent outside these stated opening times & would like to view the exhibition, it may be possible to open specifically for you if we can juggle it between other commitments. Please get in touch if you would like to explore this opportunity, email: hello@ceramiccitystories.info (Danny Callaghan)

Part of MADE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT Click here for more info

A unique & evocative high quality destination comprising evocative & high quality rooms & suites (Potbank Aparthotel), events/conference spaces, live music venue (Factory Floor) & cafe (The Quarter@Potbank). Set in carefully converted buildings on the SpodeWorks site (former historic Spode Copeland Pottery Works). These facilities are located just a short distance out of Stoke on Trent town centre & 10 minute walk from Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station. The Potbank complex is ideally placed to access (& commute around) the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire area.

Jeff (Nash) & the Team at Potbank are strong supporters of the city’s creative community. There are a range of local artist & ceramic commissions throughout the various facilities including The Quarter cafe walls & tables, Phil Hardaker’s spectacular Grand Piano (& a number of other wall works) & two large ceramic tile signs. The large exterior sign has been created from a variety of vintage transfer patterns salvaged from the original Spode Copeland buildings Potbank now occupies. The newest addition to this growing collection of ‘in situ’ Made in Stoke-on-Trent ceramics is the ‘Potbank’ sign that adorns the new live event space called the ‘Factory Floor’. Jeff commissioned artists & ceramicists from across the city to create a vibrant & eclectic showcase of creatives working in The Potteries & North Staffordshire.

Some works are always on show in the public areas & you are welcome to request access to see works featured in some of the event spaces including the Factory Floor venue.

A series of initial 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.

*Confirmed events will be added to these EVENTS listings; please keep checking back.

FREE