Made in Stoke

Stoke-upon-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke goes by many names. 

Referred to as ‘The Potteries’, officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ for Ceramics by the World Crafts Council, we’re lovingly called ‘The Home of Ceramics’.

Known for coal, steelworks and canals, we’re most famous for our contribution to ceramics around the world, thanks to iconic brands like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Spode. Turn a beautifully crafted dinnerplate or teacup upside down, and there’s a high chance you’ll see those three magic words – ‘Made In Stoke’ (or Made In England).

Part of the creative county of Staffordshire in the West Midlands, Stoke sits in the middle of England. Positioned “between Manchester and Birmingham”, it’s made up of six towns (Hanley, Burslem, Tunstall, Longton, Fenton and confusingly, Stoke), which in 1925 merged to create the city of Stoke-on-Trent as it’s known today.

Nicknamed Stokies, Potters, Plate Lifters, Clay Heads and Jug Heads, Stoke-on-Trent is known for history, heritage and craftsmanship. Our pottery was used in the first class dining room of The Titanic, with Captain Edward John Smith being from Stoke too. The Bethesda Arcade in Central Park, New York, is the only ceiling in the world to feature thousands of encaustic Minton tiles – all made in Stoke. Items from The Potteries have even made it to space, in various forms!

Rich in arts and culture, there’s so much to see, do and learn about Stoke – you just need to know where to look. Stoke-on-Trent is home to a long list of innovative thinkers and talented craftspeople, both in the past and the present. With so much inspiration, creativity and determination running through our city, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

With a focus on ‘Made In Stoke’, we invite you to follow us and be part of our journey, building and evolving ‘Home of Ceramics’ online – sharing stories around craft, culture and community.

Clay is in our blood.