A new documentary photobook capturing the cultural and culinary heritage of Stoke-on-Trent’s oatcake shops will be launched next month.
Tunstall Tortillas, created over two years by Stoke-on-Trent–born award-winning photographer David Fletcher, documents shop owners, customers and the communities around them. Completed during the city’s centenary year, it records both longstanding family businesses and newer ventures, celebrating what the photographer describes as a ‘living, thriving community’.
The launch and signing will take place at Barewall Art Gallery in Burslem from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 6 December. The event will include welcome drinks, a meet and greet with David Fletcher, live performances from poet Nick Degg and Christmas gifts from local makers.
David, pictured above, whose favourite oatcake filling is cheese and bacon, said his connection to the project began when he realised how distinctive North Staffordshire oatcakes were after moving away from the city.
He said: “Being born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, oatcakes were simply part of everyday life. It wasn’t until I moved away that I realised how unique they were – and how impossible they are to find anywhere else. That absence made me appreciate just how extraordinary our oatcake shops are. I wanted to document them before any more disappeared, and so over two years I set out to document what I found.
“What I expected to be a record of a fading industry turned into something far more uplifting. I discovered a vibrant, thriving community full of life, humour and pride – a real beacon of hope for Stoke-on-Trent. It was inspiring to see young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds joining the trade, as well as long-established family businesses still going strong.
“In the end, the project became less about the shop buildings and more about the people, their stories, and the communities that keep this unique tradition alive. The centenary year of Stoke-on-Trent felt like the perfect moment to share this important local story.”
Paul Smith, owner of Bucknall Oatcakes, which is pictured on the book’s front cover, said: “I’ve owned Bucknall Oatcakes for 15 years – just a small part of its incredible 83-year history. We’re proud to still use the original recipe, cooked on the original stoves, and hand-poured in the traditional – and proper – way.
“Even though we’re not Bucknall born and bred, this little shop has put us right at the heart of the community, who welcomed us from day one.
“It’s been a real pleasure welcoming David to our shop. His interest and dedication for oatcakes and the craft behind them is something to behold, and you don’t often see that level of enthusiasm at 1am on a Friday morning.”
The book’s title is inspired by Ode to the Oatcake, a poem by North Staffordshire artist, playwright and poet Arthur Berry, whose centenary is also being marked this year.
Barewall Gallery director Amanda Bromley said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching David’s book here at Barewall. His photography captures the life and character behind Stoke-on-Trent’s oatcake shops, and it’s a perfect fit for the city’s centenary year.
“Visitors joining us for the launch can also explore our ‘A Sense of Place’ Arthur Berry exhibition and browse a wonderful selection of locally connected Christmas gifts. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our culture and support local makers.”
Tunstall Tortillas is available to pre-order for £20 and will be priced at £25 after the official launch.
