Pottery city wins global recognition for craft

Jurors from World Craft Cities made the trip to Stoke-on-Trent's potteries before making their decision

Stoke-on-Trent has won recognition for its global influence with pottery as a craft.

The city has been granted a World Craft City Status based on its social, cultural, and economic community contributions.

It means the city will get more government support, promote Stoke as a tourist destination tourism and exchange pottery practices with other cities with the same accolade

City council leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth said the award was a "tremendous achievement" for Stoke.

"We are absolutely thrilled at the news that Stoke-on-Trent has received World Craft City status," she said.

"This is a tremendous achievement, and one that culminates years of hard work by our cultural community.

“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.

“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."

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The city, which is also seen as world capital for ceramics, received the status after cultural group Stoke Creates.

Paul Williams, board member at the firm, made the application.

He said: "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.

"I was particularly delighted that the judges observed how Stoke-on-Trent exemplifies a craft city that successfully merges heritage with modernity."