Independent voluntary run festival Stoke on Clay will return in September with more events and exhibitors than ever before and exciting new venues.
The six-week event runs from September 7 until October 19 at locations in Stoke, Burslem and Newcastle-under-Lyme, including landmark new venues Spode Museum and Stoke Minster.
There will also be six factory tours on offer and 68 exhibitors at the five venues – Spode Museum and Stoke Minster in the town of Stoke; the Brampton Museum, Newcastle; and Barewall Gallery and Lost and Found Projects, Burslem.
Exhibitors have been hand-picked by the organisers following an application process, and include ceramicists from Stoke-on-Trent, the rest of the UK, Europe, and the USA.
Staffordshire exhibitors include Middleport Pottery based Emma Bailey, Tony Laverick, of Longsdon, Philip Hardaker, from Packmoor, Fenton-based Repeat Repeat, David Craig Howson, of Leek, who draws inspiration from the Staffordshire Moorlands landscape, and Rebecca Hogg, an experienced ceramicist currently working at Royal Stafford, Burslem, but exhibiting her own pieces.
There will also be a graduation show from students at the Middleport Pottery-based Clay College.
The festival is run by four volunteer directors – Paul and Eleni Brammer, Jan Roberts and Simon Drakeford were drawn together through a combined passion for ceramics and work alongside festival co-ordinator Caroline Kisielewicz.
The group rely on their own work and sponsorship to support the festival and are calling for additional support from businesses with a love of the North Staffordshire community.
Paul, who runs the Keele-based creative agency Exesios BDD together with Eleni, said: “It’s an event born out of love for Stoke-on-Trent and the endlessly fascinating pottery and ceramic creations it has generated.
“Stoke-on-Trent is unique in being the only city area which is known by its main product. Mention the Potteries around the world and you’ll probably spark a conversation about Wedgwood, Minton, or Spode.
“We celebrate that heritage but have a firm eye on the future with our carefully curated exhibitions, and we’re unique in that the organising committee are volunteers.
“While Exesios is the major sponsor, as we spend untold hours on planning the event, building the website, and working behind the scenes, we do require additional support and sponsorship.
“Examples would include sponsors to support networking events, the opening event, a brochure, food and drinks, or even a company with vans who could help us to safely transport exhibits between venues.”
For a full list of exhibitors, venues, and events, visit www.stokeonclay.com.
