Two major clay artworks inspired by Stoke-on-Trent are set to be created as part of the British Ceramics Biennial this autumn.
The first, Rammed Earth – named after a technique for constructing foundations, floors and walls using compacted natural raw materials – will transform construction clay spoil into a children’s playground.
The project – developed in collaboration with BCB associate artist Sarah Fraser of Tuckey Design Studio, rammed earth construction specialist Sami Akkach and University of Staffordshire BA Architecture students – aims to address the lack of a playground in the central area of Stoke town. Visitors will have the chance to interact with the installation and learn about the rammed earth process.
The second, The Chimney Princess by artist Josie KO, will explore the role of black women in Stoke-on-Trent by creating a new goddess figure for the city, inspired by the iconic bottle ovens of the Potteries.
Created in collaboration with local communities, the deity, which will stand five feet tall and be hand-built from black clay, will be displayed on a spinning turntable in an installation inspired by Trentham’s gardens.
The 2025 British Ceramics Biennial will take place on the Spode factory site from September 6 to October 19.
Clare Wood, CEO and Artistic Director of the British Ceramics Biennial, said: “It is wonderful to be presenting the British Ceramics Biennial in such an iconic and important setting this year. Spode is a significant part of Stoke-on-Trent’s story.
“The history and atmosphere of the site provides a fitting context for the works we’ll be showing at the Biennial, which showcases the most ambitious, exciting and important new work in ceramic and clay.
“Spode is also a stone’s throw from the train station, which we hope will encourage even more visitors from beyond the city. We look forward to once again seeing hundreds of people passing through the Spode gates.”
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and transport at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “The British Ceramics Biennial is a fantastic event which we are pleased to be hosting once again, in our city’s Centenary year. Spode is the perfect place to hold such an event as it links our industrial past with our future as a World Craft City. We can’t wait to welcome hundreds of visitors to the site this autumn.”
The full British Ceramics Biennial programme, including exhibition details and the talks and events schedule, will be announced in May 2025.
