From Heritage to Innovation: Stoke-on-Trent Awarded Prestigious World Craft City Status

Stoke-on-Trent, affectionately and famously known as "The Potteries," has proudly been awarded World Craft City status by the World Crafts Council. This prestigious accolade propels the city onto the global stage, honouring its profound social, cultural, and economic contributions, deeply rooted in its centuries-old ceramic heritage.

Celebrating Our Legacy and Resilience

As a local historian, the news of Stoke-on-Trent's recognition as a World Craft City fills me with immense pride and a sense of validation. For centuries, our city has been synonymous with ceramics, earning its reputation as the world capital of pottery. This accolade is not merely a title; it is a recognition of the resilience, ingenuity, and enduring spirit of our community.

Embracing Our Rich Heritage

From the early days of small-scale potteries to the rise of industrial giants like Wedgwood and Spode, Stoke-on-Trent's history is interwoven with the evolution of ceramics. Our kilns and factories have produced some of the world's most exquisite pottery, adorning homes and museums across the globe. Despite the challenges faced over the years, including the decline of traditional manufacturing, Stoke-on-Trent has never lost its identity as a centre of ceramic excellence.

City Council Leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth, encapsulated this sentiment perfectly: “We are absolutely thrilled that Stoke-on-Trent has received World Craft City status. This is a tremendous achievement, reflecting years of dedication by our cultural community. This recognition has the potential to open many doors for our city, fostering collaborations with other craft cities worldwide and enhancing our social, cultural, and economic prestige.”

Stoke Creates: A Beacon of Innovation

The achievement of World Craft City status is a significant milestone for Stoke Creates, the Cultural Compact established to promote artistic and cultural participation within Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Following the city's bid for UK City of Culture in 2021, Stoke Creates has united key partners, including Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisations, local authorities, the Chambers of Commerce, universities, the British Ceramics Biennial, and other leading creative organisations.

Paul Williams, a board member at Stoke Creates who led the application, remarked: “This designation is a fitting endorsement by the World Crafts Council of Stoke-on-Trent’s global renown as a city of craft, artistry, industry, and innovation. It was wonderful to hear the judges describe Stoke-on-Trent as an example of a craft city where the legacy of historical craftsmanship intertwines with contemporary relevance.”

A Future Brimming with Possibilities

Looking forward, the recognition as a World Craft City opens new horizons for Stoke-on-Trent. It is not just a nod to our illustrious past but a beacon guiding us toward a future brimming with possibilities. This status will attract global collaborations, boost tourism, and foster innovation in our local craft industries.

Clare Wood, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of the British Ceramics Biennial, echoed this optimism: “We benefit enormously from the remarkable reputation of Stoke-on-Trent for ceramic innovation, and it is wonderful to see this recognised and celebrated on a global platform. Craftsmanship lies at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent as strongly today as it has for many decades. World Craft City status acknowledges the skill, integrity, and sheer brilliance of all those who have worked, and continue to work, with clay.”

The influence of our local artisans extends far beyond our city's borders, inspiring contemporary artists locally, nationally, and internationally. The British Ceramics Biennial, the UK's largest contemporary ceramics event, showcases how Stoke-on-Trent's expertise informs and enriches modern art practices.

A Vibrant Legacy

We also honour our city's vibrant legacy as we celebrate this achievement. Stoke-on-Trent's journey from the cradle of British ceramics to a World Craft City is a story of perseverance, creativity, and community. This prestigious award respects our historic past and rich heritage and serves as a catalyst for a prosperous future where craftsmanship, creativity, and community continue to thrive on a global scale.

Rachel Laver, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, perfectly captured this sentiment: “It’s fantastic news for the city and really helps to raise the profile of the exceptional businesses and talent we have in the area. Despite the pottery industry’s decline, creative industries are not only alive and kicking but thriving.”

The designation of World Craft City status is a crowning achievement for Stoke-on-Trent, celebrating our enduring legacy and promising a bright future. Our city has always been, and will continue to be, a global beacon of ceramic excellence. I am excited to witness this new chapter unfold, and confident that Stoke-on-Trent will continue to thrive, innovate, and inspire for generations to come.

For further information about the WCC-World Craft City Programme, please visit World Crafts Council.