Creative students inspired by local pottery history

 
Creative students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) will show off their artwork at a special private view to be held later this week.

Students from the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC were approached by the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) to create modern masterpieces inspired by one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous pottery companies – Spode.

Through the partnership the College and BCB aim to showcase the creative industries within Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

The project will culminate in a private exhibition to be held at the former Spode Works in Stoke on Thursday 10 May, from 2.00pm -3.00pm, where guests and visitors will be able to view the work produced by the students.

Amy Davies, Curriculum Leader for the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice, said: “Here at NULC we have a great reputation nationally for the quality of our creative students, so we were delighted when BCB asked us to get involved in the project.”

She continued: “It’s a real honour for the students to be selected to work on such a high profile project and also a great opportunity for the students to investigate the history and heritage of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent and to then transform that in to contemporary pieces which will appeal to a new audience.”

As part of the project, the students set up a studio space at the former factory and spent two days a week working on their creations, which use methods including embroidery, photography, jewellery and ceramics.

Student Alex Wise, aged 19 from Sandford Hill, Stoke-on-Trent has used shards of Spode pottery that she has uncovered at the site to make contemporary pieces of jewellery. Another student, Storm Spencer-Lindop, aged 20 from Blurton, has created fashion designs inspired by the iconic Spode Factory.

BCB showcases excellence and the best of contemporary practice by makers and artists across the UK, building significant partnerships with other major festivals and centers for ceramic research, and making significant European partnerships.

NULC provides a range of Foundation degrees (Fd) in partnership with Staffordshire University, at the College’s purpose built University Centre on Knutton Lane.

To find out more about the range of Foundation degrees on offer at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/he or contact the Information Point on 01782 25424 or info@nulc.ac.uk.