A major international event celebrating Stoke-on-Trent’s enduring influence on ceramics will see industry experts and academics descend on the city later this month.
The Legacy and Continuity: International Ceramic Symposium – which forms part of the city’s centenary celebrations – will explore Stoke-on-Trent’s historic role as the world capital of ceramics and its continued reputation for innovation, creativity and design.
Attendees will hear from international speakers, explore the stories behind iconic designs such as the Willow Pattern, and learn more about Stoke-on-Trent’s global impact on the ceramics industry.
The two-day symposium will take place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November 2025 at Stoke Town Hall and the Spode Museum, and is free to attend thanks to National Lottery funding.
Organised by Dr Alasdair Brooks of Re-Form Heritage and Professor Neil Brownsword of the University of Staffordshire, in collaboration with Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China, the event strengthens growing cultural and academic ties between the two cities.
It follows the recent signing of a concordat between Stoke-on-Trent and China’s historic porcelain capital Jingdezhen, underlining their shared commitment to advancing ceramic knowledge and creativity.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Hosting this international symposium in our Centenary year is a proud moment for the city.
“It places Stoke-on-Trent firmly where it belongs – at the heart of global ceramics research – and celebrates the skills, innovation and creativity that define our city’s story.”
The symposium coincides with the Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ exhibition at the Spode Museum, which explores the design’s cultural history and enduring influence. The exhibition runs until 29 March 2026 and is also free to visit.
Professor Neil Brownsword said: “Legacy and Continuity promises to be a unique forum for critical interdisciplinary discussion, uniting experts from across the globe to examine the region’s rich ceramic heritage.
“Leading voices in their respective fields will offer new perspectives on the social, cultural and technological dimensions of ceramic production in North Staffordshire and examine its historic reach and cultural influence as a global centre of production.”
Dr Alasdair Brooks added: “The Legacy and Continuity symposium offers an excellent opportunity in this centenary year to reflect on the truly global impact of Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics industry, through the study of history, art history and archaeological evidence. I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring together such an international range of speakers to explore this topic, from Stoke-on-Trent itself through New Zealand, Chile and China, and many points in between.”
Free tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: Legacy and Continuity: Ceramic Symposium.
How do I reserve tickets for the Saturday?
Hi Andy,
When you click through to the Eventbrite page, there is a button to the right labelled ‘reserve my spot’. When you click on there, it gives the option for a Day 1 or Day 2 ticket.
Kind regards,
Hayley