University of Staffordshire has been working with young people across the city to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage through ceramic art
The mugs and coasters are on display at University of Staffordshire this week
It is a special year for Stoke-on-Trent and this has been a fantastic way of engaging young people from the city in the centenary celebrations. We have been blown away by their enthusiasm and creativity.
To mark the city’s centenary, 75 ceramic coasters and 30 mugs featuring designs by children from Stoke-on-Trent are on display at the University’s Creative Industries Degree Show this week.
Through the Staffordshire Children's University scheme, Year 5 and 6 pupils from four local primary schools were challenged to come up with a design for their very own ceramic coaster, reflecting what Stoke-on-Trent means to them.
Y10 students involved in the Higher Horizons Saturday Club also created designs to go on ceramic mugs, after having the chance to visit Moorland Pottery’s factory and museum.
Selected designs have been professionally printed onto coasters and mugs – and this weekend, the children and their families were invited onto campus to see them exhibited alongside the work of final year students from the University.
Kimberley Chawick-Reaney, Head of Recruitment and Access at University of Staffordshire, said: “It is a special year for Stoke-on-Trent and this has been a fantastic way of engaging young people from the city in the centenary celebrations. We have been blown away by their enthusiasm and creativity.
“Everyone who took part should be very proud of their designs and we hope that seeing their work on display alongside our own student exhibitions will inspire them for the future.
“I’d like to thank Moorland Pottery and all the teams involved, especially Lauren Vernon, our Access and Transitions Officer who has led on this.”
Jon Plant, from Moorland Pottery, added: “It was a pleasure working with the staff and students on this project. What has been created is a very special moment in time, the hundredth birthday of the city of Stoke on Trent. All the work produced has a real sense of belonging and reinforces my belief that there is outstanding talent and skill in our city.”
The Creative Industries Degree Show is open until to Saturday 7 June 2025 – find more information and opening times here.