Our exhibitions and events are split across venues around Stoke-on-Trent. The majority takes place at the original Spode factory site but have a look at the venue list for more information about other exhibitions and events
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Sunday, 12pm to 5pm
China Hall, Spode
Kingsway,
Stoke-on-trent
ST4 1JH
There is a long history of bone china flower making in Stoke. Clusters of the glazed flowers made up as ‘florals’ were once extremely popular, with the industry employing several hundred flower makers across the city. The flower making industry has now all but disappeared. There are however many skilled flower makers still living and working within the Potteries.
Our three-year programme working with clusters of Stoke-on-Trent schools keeping creative ceramics alive and well in the classroom.
Two ceramic artists Helen Felcey and Joe Hartley with poet Barry Taylor have been working with groups of young adults in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
World in One City engages with diverse cultural communities living in Stoke–on-Trent to explore and express cultural identities and aspirations through making ceramics and sharing food.
Former BCB artist in residence, Kate O’Kelly presents a small showcase of her work and from her newly formed collective of ceramic artists as an Irish presence in this year’s festival.
Ceramic artist Charlotte Hodes will develop a new body of work and create an installation of tableware for exhibition following a research and development project exploring the Spode Museum Trust’s archive of copperplates.
A new project at the Royal College of Art asks the question: can new qualities and economies of production be achieved by the application of digital laser printed ceramic transfers to a commercial context?
An exploration of ceramic rapid-prototyping and its possible applications. Michael Eden brings 3D Systems’ – the world leader in rapid-prototyping and 3D printing – newest, state-of-the-art 3D printer to the UK for its European launch.
The centrepiece exhibition of the BCB 2015, Amy Hughes, Andrea Walsh, Aneta Regel, Anne Gibbs, Bethan Lloyd Worthington, Caroline Tattersall, Ingrid Murphy & Jon Pigott, James Rigler, Mella Shaw, Paul Scott, Sam Bakewell, have been selected to present new works exemplifying the best of British contemporary ceramics.
An exhibition platform for talented recent graduates from UK Higher Education institutions, working across ceramics disciplines.
Recognised internationally as one of the UK’s leading artists, sculptor, painter, printmaker, and performance artist always experimenting and challenging conventions Bruce McLean takes on ceramics for the BCB 2015.
194000 is a Stoke-on-Trent WW1 100th anniversary memorial to the men of the North Staffordshire Regiment who went to war 1914-18. Based on a re-read of Private J.T. Humpherson’s (8th North Staffs Regiment 1914-18) 1973 testimony, and dismay at having to march by foot all the way from Le Havre to the front at Bethune, a distance of 194 miles = 194,000 paces.
Lawrence Epps returns with AGAIN, a new participatory installation that combines the tactile nature of the artist’s ceramic works with the adrenaline of the arcade, inviting the viewer to enter into a wager with the artwork.
A series of works culminating from a three year long collaborative project with Clayground Collective linking canals and ceramic history with current making practice, skills and education.
The Clay Foundation artist in residence Neil Brownsword, will apprentice himself to skilled former ceramics industry employees learning traditional techniques including: copper plate engraving, mould making, china painting and flower-making.
BCB 2013 AWARD winner Nao Matsunaga will create an installation in the China Hall at the original Spode factory site, showing the development of his work in the past two years.
Fresh 2013 winner, Sarah Worgan presents a body of work, large clay sculptures, as the results of her residency at the European Ceramic Work Centre in Holland.
BCB is collaborating with Stoke based arts company B Arts to provide the festival food. Throughout the festival watch out for special guest street food and the artist built sculptural wood-fired pizza oven, plus Thursday nights will be late opening events, featuring local artists at the Café.
Wed 21 October 2015, 4pm-6pm
Led by ceramic artists, teachers can try new techniques, develop their own creative talents and get inspiration to take back to the classroom.
To book CPD please contact katie@britishceramicsbiennial.com
Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment
2-4 Broad Street,
Stoke-on-trent
ST1 4HL
Nursery is a major interactive, and performative exhibition display. Commissioned artists will take the theme of flowers, environmental management and urban regeneration to create a space that will stimulate activity and thinking about community health and wellbeing.
BCB is also working with Caudwell Children’s Charity and the Spode Museum Trust creating ceramic oatcakes with designs inspired by the Spode collection.
Flowers were once a common feature of a hospital visit. Brought by visitors to bring beauty and nature into the medical and clinical environment, brightening up the bedside and wards. Although it is no longer possible to have natural flowers in the hospital we propose to re-introduce them, bringing them back in ceramic form.
London Road, Stoke-on-Trent
Sun 14 June 2015, 11am - 3pm
BCB will be going in with the festivities at this year’s London Road Festival. Come along to get some clay under your finger-nails and learn more about the 2015 biennial. Find out more about the London Road Festival.
Free, drop-in event.
Staffordshire University, Main Campus, Stoke-on-Trent
Sat 20 June 2015
Come along take part in the annual Staffordshire University's Fringe Festival. Promising to be a feast of free performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks, markets and activities open to all members of the community. BCB will be hosting a free workshop, so come along and get clay under your finger nails! Find out more about Staffordshire University Fringe Festival
Free, drop-in event.
