Welcome to our first Positive Pottery Post! Every month we’ll be sharing the latest ceramics industry news and our favourite success stories… focusing on the positives. Starting off strong with our first article, here’s what’s caught our attention so far this June.
(Ex-)Burberry Comes To Burslem
Experiencing more challenging times in the ceramics industry again recently, to hear that Burleigh Pottery has just been saved and bought by a group of investors, with Christopher Bailey being the face of the acquisition, is very exciting! Incredible news for Burleigh, the ceramics industry and Stoke-on-Trent. We can’t wait to find out what they have planned for this beautiful heritage Stoke brand and more importantly if the new owners have tried Staffordshire Oatcakes yet?
Baz Luhrmann x Belmond Tableware From Stoke
You may have seen that filmmaker Baz Luhrmann (Romeo & Juliet) and wife, designer Catherine Martin, have designed a private carriage named Celia for the super luxury Belmond British Pullman Train but did you know that the bespoke tableware collection was all made here in Stoke by our friends at Duchess China 1888?! Working with their friends and hospitality partners Kinn Collective, it was one of the most complex design the team have worked on to date – involving decals made up of 20+ colour layers. That's a lot of screenprinting screens.
British Museum Acquires ‘Memory Vessel: Portland Vase’
The British Museum have acquired ‘Memory Vessel: Portland Vase’ (2023) by artist Bouke de Vries. A beautiful piece with a fascinating story, it was inspired by a dramatic chapter in 1845, when a drunk student accidentally smashed the original Roman glass Portland Vase into pieces, with the original vase being restored multiple times over the years. Fast-forward to today – this contemporary masterpiece now sits next to one of the original 18th-century Wedgwood Portland vases, along with another beautiful reinterpretation by ceramic artist Hitomi Hosono, on permanent display in Room 47 of the British Museum.
Teenage Potter Nominated For Business Award
How lovely to read that local teenager, Sky Rowley, has been nominated in the Young Business Person of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by the team at Stoke-on-Trent College! After setting up her own pottery company at the age of 15, Sky designs, makes and markets a variety of handmade pottery – so far producing over 600 pieces.
Feeling inspired after watching a demonstration by potter John French, she went on to take a short LoveClay course at Valentine Clays Ltd to grow her skills. Now 16, Sky runs PetalPots while studying Art & Design at Stoke-on-Trent College – already securing a place studying Ceramic Art at University of the Arts London in September. You can vote for Sky Rowley on the Staffs Biz Awards site and follow her journey on the PetalPots Instagram page.
GradEx Creative Industries Degree Show
You may have seen Amy’s LinkedIn post about the Degree Show at University of Staffordshire. The week-long exhibition may have now finished but it’s just the start for the talented students who showcased their work. We spent extra time in the ‘BA Product, Furniture & Ceramics’ room, where Senior Lecturer Keeley Traae talked us through the students concepts and designs. Incredibly strong work, with some already getting a lot of recognition and awards – congratulations to all involved. We’re excited to follow along and you can too on their dedicated Pfcstaffsuni Instagram account.
Government Pledges £120m For UK Ceramics
A few weeks ago the Government announced that £120m had been allocated, to help support the UK ceramics industry during increasingly challenging times. This package comprises £60m of capital funding to help manufacturers invest in new equipment to support energy efficiency and long-term sustainability, with the other £60m covering operational costs. Ceramics UK have been asked to collaborate with civil servants to design and implement how this scheme will work, so watch this space. We’re looking forward to learning more as this very important project progresses.
Hungry for more? Read the latest Home of Ceramics blogs while you wait for the next Positive Pottery Post!