The decline of pottery manufacturing in Stoke-on-Trent, once a global hub for ceramics, has significantly impacted the area. As production moved overseas to reduce costs, many local factories closed, leading to widespread job losses and economic downturn. This shift not only diminished the city's industrial base but also eroded its cultural identity tied to the craft of pottery. The closure of these factories left behind derelict buildings and contributed to social challenges, including increased unemployment rates and reduced investment. ‘Threads.’ Inspired by the phrase "hanging on by a thread," something I frequently hear in the pottery manufacturing industry regarding its stability. I aimed to create a literal interpretation of this term using clay.
There’s no one way to begin to explain how important the pottery industry is to this city. Since the 1980s, ceramic manufacturing has declined significantly, leaving behind fewer opportunities for those of us still in the industry. I am a bench caster, and my skills are not transferable to other industries. I need potbanks to survive so I, in turn, can survive. With the project ’Threads”, I hope to keep production ceramics involved in the conversation around pottery in general and to celebrate what it is today.