Paul Williams
@paulwilliams207.bsky.social
Academic with a passion for culture, crafts, heritage, tourism, football and all things place. Also potty about ceramics and plate-turning to check out backstamps!
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 💙
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 💙
Pinned
‘Culture, like God and politics is everywhere.’
A montage of articles where craft-inspired culture and creativity is the golden thread that I’ve enjoyed sharing throughout the year.
Here’s to another ‘winning with culture’ year in 2025 as our World Craft City celebrates its #SoT100 centenary.
A montage of articles where craft-inspired culture and creativity is the golden thread that I’ve enjoyed sharing throughout the year.
Here’s to another ‘winning with culture’ year in 2025 as our World Craft City celebrates its #SoT100 centenary.
An insightful first day at the Legacy and Continuity Ceramics Symposium with an eclectic series of speakers from around the world exploring the global reach and significance of Stoke-on-Trent’s renowned ceramics history and heritage from an archeological perspective.
#WorldCraftCity #SoT100
#WorldCraftCity #SoT100
November 22, 2025 at 5:20 PM
An insightful first day at the Legacy and Continuity Ceramics Symposium with an eclectic series of speakers from around the world exploring the global reach and significance of Stoke-on-Trent’s renowned ceramics history and heritage from an archeological perspective.
#WorldCraftCity #SoT100
#WorldCraftCity #SoT100
Over 250 years on, the curriculum review is once again cementing Josiah Wedgwood’s place in Stoke-on-Trent’s schools by reconnecting art, creativity and technology with inventiveness, imagination and innovation.
November 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Over 250 years on, the curriculum review is once again cementing Josiah Wedgwood’s place in Stoke-on-Trent’s schools by reconnecting art, creativity and technology with inventiveness, imagination and innovation.
Despite Arnold Machin’s lasting legacy, the intriguing story of how a young Trentham school teacher became the ‘Queen for a day’ without knowing it and came to be featured on the most iconic, reproduced image of all time has been rarely told.
October 18, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Despite Arnold Machin’s lasting legacy, the intriguing story of how a young Trentham school teacher became the ‘Queen for a day’ without knowing it and came to be featured on the most iconic, reproduced image of all time has been rarely told.
A superb kiln-side review of a pilgrimage to Britain’s ceramic capital.
‘I keep coming back to the memory of the 100 Years, 100 Faces celebration. Stoke-on-Trent does pride right; if only we could adopt this on a national scale.’
‘I keep coming back to the memory of the 100 Years, 100 Faces celebration. Stoke-on-Trent does pride right; if only we could adopt this on a national scale.’
Stoke me up: my potty pilgrimage to Britain’s ceramic capital - Plaster Magazine
From kitschy delights to celeb ceramics, Verity Babbs goes all-in on Stoke-on-Trent's quirky pottery scene
plastermagazine.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
A superb kiln-side review of a pilgrimage to Britain’s ceramic capital.
‘I keep coming back to the memory of the 100 Years, 100 Faces celebration. Stoke-on-Trent does pride right; if only we could adopt this on a national scale.’
‘I keep coming back to the memory of the 100 Years, 100 Faces celebration. Stoke-on-Trent does pride right; if only we could adopt this on a national scale.’
My latest column focuses on the unveiling of the #100Years100Faces centenary mural and why its most enduring legacy will be how it can inspire the next generation of young place-makers to pick up the baton and shape the next chapter in Stoke-on-Trent’s illustrious place story.
September 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
My latest column focuses on the unveiling of the #100Years100Faces centenary mural and why its most enduring legacy will be how it can inspire the next generation of young place-makers to pick up the baton and shape the next chapter in Stoke-on-Trent’s illustrious place story.
As those who attended the unveiling event heard, the #100Years100Faces mural showcases our unique city as ‘a history of heartbeats knitted together with theatre tickets, penalty shootouts, helping hands, and smiling kilns.’
An accessible, aesthetic work of art, the #100Years100Faces mural is a living to tribute to the inspirational individuals who have left their mark on our world craft city.
The publicly nominated people depicted will provide a hundred conversation themes and serve as an enduring #SoT100 legacy.
The publicly nominated people depicted will provide a hundred conversation themes and serve as an enduring #SoT100 legacy.
September 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
As those who attended the unveiling event heard, the #100Years100Faces mural showcases our unique city as ‘a history of heartbeats knitted together with theatre tickets, penalty shootouts, helping hands, and smiling kilns.’
An accessible, aesthetic work of art, the #100Years100Faces mural is a living to tribute to the inspirational individuals who have left their mark on our world craft city.
The publicly nominated people depicted will provide a hundred conversation themes and serve as an enduring #SoT100 legacy.
The publicly nominated people depicted will provide a hundred conversation themes and serve as an enduring #SoT100 legacy.
September 15, 2025 at 9:58 AM
An accessible, aesthetic work of art, the #100Years100Faces mural is a living to tribute to the inspirational individuals who have left their mark on our world craft city.
The publicly nominated people depicted will provide a hundred conversation themes and serve as an enduring #SoT100 legacy.
The publicly nominated people depicted will provide a hundred conversation themes and serve as an enduring #SoT100 legacy.
“The opportunities for cultural exchange and research collaboration will also strengthen Stoke-on-Trent’s position as an international centre for ceramic excellence - supporting the world craft city agenda and Stoke-on-Trent’s ambitions to achieve UNESCO creative city status.”
University of Staffordshire VC, Prof Martin Jones: “It was Thornhill’s wish that the collection be used for educational purposes and partnering with the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will allows us do that by making it more accessible to both scholars and the public.”
University of Staffordshire to loan rare ceramics to city museum
The Thornhill Collection of ceramics was bequeathed to the University of Staffordshire in 1944.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 9, 2025 at 6:35 AM
“The opportunities for cultural exchange and research collaboration will also strengthen Stoke-on-Trent’s position as an international centre for ceramic excellence - supporting the world craft city agenda and Stoke-on-Trent’s ambitions to achieve UNESCO creative city status.”
University of Staffordshire VC, Prof Martin Jones: “It was Thornhill’s wish that the collection be used for educational purposes and partnering with the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will allows us do that by making it more accessible to both scholars and the public.”
University of Staffordshire to loan rare ceramics to city museum
The Thornhill Collection of ceramics was bequeathed to the University of Staffordshire in 1944.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 9, 2025 at 6:34 AM
University of Staffordshire VC, Prof Martin Jones: “It was Thornhill’s wish that the collection be used for educational purposes and partnering with the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will allows us do that by making it more accessible to both scholars and the public.”
Johnny Vegas: “There’s so much space in ceramics for everything, for exploration, and it’s a skill set that we just cannot afford to key go of.
“It’s great to celebrate it but the celebration had to continue once the (British Ceramics Biennial) festival ends.”
“It’s great to celebrate it but the celebration had to continue once the (British Ceramics Biennial) festival ends.”
Comedian Johnny Vegas 'proud' artwork on display in Stoke-on-Trent
The comedian's work is on display at the British Ceramics Biennial at Spode Works.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 8, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Johnny Vegas: “There’s so much space in ceramics for everything, for exploration, and it’s a skill set that we just cannot afford to key go of.
“It’s great to celebrate it but the celebration had to continue once the (British Ceramics Biennial) festival ends.”
“It’s great to celebrate it but the celebration had to continue once the (British Ceramics Biennial) festival ends.”
Reposted by Paul Williams
City of Fire and Beautiful Bricks’
Exhibition at The Glosthouse, Longton. Stoke-On-Trent.
www.theglosthouse.co.uk
An ongoing exhibition of Works both new, and never before exhibited. Painting : Drawing : Collage.
Poetry : @minxyowlwriter.bsky.social
#Stoke100 #SoT100
Exhibition at The Glosthouse, Longton. Stoke-On-Trent.
www.theglosthouse.co.uk
An ongoing exhibition of Works both new, and never before exhibited. Painting : Drawing : Collage.
Poetry : @minxyowlwriter.bsky.social
#Stoke100 #SoT100
September 6, 2025 at 8:51 AM
City of Fire and Beautiful Bricks’
Exhibition at The Glosthouse, Longton. Stoke-On-Trent.
www.theglosthouse.co.uk
An ongoing exhibition of Works both new, and never before exhibited. Painting : Drawing : Collage.
Poetry : @minxyowlwriter.bsky.social
#Stoke100 #SoT100
Exhibition at The Glosthouse, Longton. Stoke-On-Trent.
www.theglosthouse.co.uk
An ongoing exhibition of Works both new, and never before exhibited. Painting : Drawing : Collage.
Poetry : @minxyowlwriter.bsky.social
#Stoke100 #SoT100
A celebration of clay, craftsmanship, skill & artistry in a city that has clay deeply embedded in its identity.
Clare Wood: “Through British Ceramics Biennial we are maintaining national and international interest in Stoke-on-Trent and its ceramics.”
Clare Wood: “Through British Ceramics Biennial we are maintaining national and international interest in Stoke-on-Trent and its ceramics.”
Stoke-on-Trent prepares for British Ceramics Biennial 2025
More than 70 artists are taking part in the event, described as the largest of its kind in the UK.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 6:26 AM
A celebration of clay, craftsmanship, skill & artistry in a city that has clay deeply embedded in its identity.
Clare Wood: “Through British Ceramics Biennial we are maintaining national and international interest in Stoke-on-Trent and its ceramics.”
Clare Wood: “Through British Ceramics Biennial we are maintaining national and international interest in Stoke-on-Trent and its ceramics.”
‘As well as the Biennial which has been running since 2009, the Staffordshire city is celebrating its centenary in 2005. And it is just over a year since Stoke-on-Trent was awarded World Craft City status, which is recognition of its global importance as a centre for pottery production.’
British Ceramics Biennial builds on pottery heritage - Museums Association
The event, which runs from 6 September to 19 October, coincides with Stoke's centenary year
www.museumsassociation.org
September 4, 2025 at 1:41 PM
‘As well as the Biennial which has been running since 2009, the Staffordshire city is celebrating its centenary in 2005. And it is just over a year since Stoke-on-Trent was awarded World Craft City status, which is recognition of its global importance as a centre for pottery production.’
Just Be There, a collaborative artwork crafted by Johnny Vegas, described as ‘an avenue of hugs captured in clay’ to be showcased at the forthcoming British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke-on-Trent.
Johnny Vegas creates artwork for Stoke-on-Trent ceramics showcase
The comedian captures people's hugs in clay for an installation at the British Ceramics Biennial.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 1, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Just Be There, a collaborative artwork crafted by Johnny Vegas, described as ‘an avenue of hugs captured in clay’ to be showcased at the forthcoming British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke-on-Trent.
Reposted by Paul Williams
You're a gentleman, Paul - thank you very kindly indeed..
My very first creative incursion into Stoke-On-Trent.
My very first creative incursion into Stoke-On-Trent.
August 29, 2025 at 6:47 PM
You're a gentleman, Paul - thank you very kindly indeed..
My very first creative incursion into Stoke-On-Trent.
My very first creative incursion into Stoke-On-Trent.
Reposted by Paul Williams
THE POTTERIES BOTTLE OVEN - the 'go-to' resource site for information about the bottle ovens and kilns of the Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent
Want to know about bottle ovens and kilns? This is the place!
bottleoven.blogspot.com
More links in bio
Want to know about bottle ovens and kilns? This is the place!
bottleoven.blogspot.com
More links in bio
May 9, 2025 at 8:31 AM
THE POTTERIES BOTTLE OVEN - the 'go-to' resource site for information about the bottle ovens and kilns of the Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent
Want to know about bottle ovens and kilns? This is the place!
bottleoven.blogspot.com
More links in bio
Want to know about bottle ovens and kilns? This is the place!
bottleoven.blogspot.com
More links in bio
Bottle Oven Day is a chance to share the Magnificent 47 again!
@ianrpearsall.bsky.social
@ianrpearsall.bsky.social
August 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Bottle Oven Day is a chance to share the Magnificent 47 again!
@ianrpearsall.bsky.social
@ianrpearsall.bsky.social
Priestley continued: ‘unless you are prepared to take a deep and lasting interest on what happens inside those ovens, it would be better for you to take the first train anywhere’.
Bottle ovens featured prominently in our application to become a designated World Craft City.
Bottle ovens featured prominently in our application to become a designated World Craft City.
August 29, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Priestley continued: ‘unless you are prepared to take a deep and lasting interest on what happens inside those ovens, it would be better for you to take the first train anywhere’.
Bottle ovens featured prominently in our application to become a designated World Craft City.
Bottle ovens featured prominently in our application to become a designated World Craft City.
It’s August 29th. It’s Potteries Bottle Oven Day. And it’s the day to recall how J. B. Priestley on his English journey in 1933 proclaimed: ‘the pottery kilns and ovens ... without these great bottles of heat, there would be no Potteries. They represent the very heart and soul of the district.’
August 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM
It’s August 29th. It’s Potteries Bottle Oven Day. And it’s the day to recall how J. B. Priestley on his English journey in 1933 proclaimed: ‘the pottery kilns and ovens ... without these great bottles of heat, there would be no Potteries. They represent the very heart and soul of the district.’
Our small but mighty city’s unique identity, global renown as a centre of ceramics excellence, creative ecosystem, entrepreneurial endeavours, and acclaimed universities’ research impacts means Stoke-on-Trent punches above its soft power weight.
August 23, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Our small but mighty city’s unique identity, global renown as a centre of ceramics excellence, creative ecosystem, entrepreneurial endeavours, and acclaimed universities’ research impacts means Stoke-on-Trent punches above its soft power weight.
Delighted to hear Claybody Theatre will continue to be based at The Dipping House on the former Spode pottery site. Looking forward to seeing many more place-based productions ‘shaped from the unique cultural heritage and contemporary lives of the people of Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire.’
Stoke-on-Trent theatre company 'delighted' as home secured
Claybody Theatre agrees a lease to remain at its current home in Stoke-on-Trent for 15 years.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 22, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Delighted to hear Claybody Theatre will continue to be based at The Dipping House on the former Spode pottery site. Looking forward to seeing many more place-based productions ‘shaped from the unique cultural heritage and contemporary lives of the people of Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire.’
The Arts Keele Three Counties Open Art Exhibition at Fenton Town Hall has a “real mix” of art on display, from paintings, to photography and a motorbike installation.
@amigonidavid.bsky.social
@amigonidavid.bsky.social
Artist 'excited' to take part in Three Counties art exhibition
The free exhibition runs at Fenton Town Hall until 30 August.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 16, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The Arts Keele Three Counties Open Art Exhibition at Fenton Town Hall has a “real mix” of art on display, from paintings, to photography and a motorbike installation.
@amigonidavid.bsky.social
@amigonidavid.bsky.social
Reposted by Paul Williams
Well done Stoke-on-Trent for wonderful British pottery.
Made in Stoke-on-Trent pottery was showcased to a global audience as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enjoyed a brew from Emma Bridgewater mugs.
Emma Bridgewater centre stage at Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were pictured enjoying a brew from Emma Bridgewater mugs today
www.stokesentinel.co.uk
August 15, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Well done Stoke-on-Trent for wonderful British pottery.