Pottery museum to host ceramics market
BBCA ceramics market is returning to Stoke-on-Trent amid ongoing concern about the future of the industry.
The event, at Gladstone Pottery Museum on Saturday, will be attended by contestants from The Great Pottery Throw Down and about 60 makers, the city council said.
Workers in the city's pottery industry called for more government support after Royal Stafford entered liquidation last month, with a second firm, Portmeirion, also confirming redundancies.
Council leader Jane Ashworth said the market would be a "fantastic event" for both aspiring potters and fans of the television pottery competition.
She added the venue had hosted a number of similar events over the years, which were always popular.
"Our centenary year is in full swing right now so what better way to showcase our brilliant city than with an event that celebrates all things pottery," Ashworth added.
Contestants Jonathan Jolly, Steve Brown and Natalie Simms from the latest series of The Great Pottery Throw Down are due to attend, alongside representatives from local firms Burslem Pottery and Scruffy Little Herbert.
The ceramic makers' market will run from 11:00 GMT until 16:00. Entry is free of charge, with advance booking not required.
There will be stalls offering a range of clay artworks for sale, from traditional works to abstract pieces.
Visitors will also be able to view a Great Pottery Throw Down exhibition, which opened at the venue earlier this month as part of the city's 100th anniversary celebrations.
The display features six bird baths the TV potters were challenged to create in episode seven of the show to reflect the area's industrial heritage, green spaces and waterways.
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