Stoke-on-Trent World Craft City – What next?

'This recognition by the World Crafts Council has the potential to open so many doors for our city, not least when it comes to working alongside other cities and towns across the world who also have World Craft City status. We are extremely excited by the possibilities and believe that this will have a significant impact when it comes to the social, cultural, and economic prestige of Stoke-on-Trent. It also underlines how wonderful, historic, and unique our great city is. Our heritage dates back hundreds of years and we are the world capital of
ceramics, visible in museums all over the world. And yet our craft and ceramics represent not only our past, but also our present, and without question our bright future.' Councillor Jane Ashworth.

Prof. Neil Brownsword was invited to present to the APPG for Craft, Stoke-on-Trent's recent accolade of World Craft City. However with the recent context of factory closures in the city Brownsword urged a pressing need to safeguard heritage skills in the sector, highlighting his research and indicating exemplary models in East Asia that protect traditional knowledge whilst looking forward.
The need to retain 'new blood' and keep skills alive remains difficult due to perceptions of regional industry.

Speakers
Professor Neil Brownsword, University of Staffordshire
Emily Johnson, director of Stoke-on-Trent based company 1882
Andy Henshall, Master Modeller and Saskia Rigby, Apprentice 1882