Slip Tales provides an insight into BCB’s year-round programming. This community project focused on exploring and appreciating the heritage of Staffordshire slipware.

Within the Slip Tales workshops, makers were introduced to 17th-century Staffordshire slipware from the likes of Thomas and Ralph Toft. They examined forms and decoration, learnt decorating techniques, and experimented with these under the guidance of BCB Associate Artists. Many of the makers were new to clay and new to living in Stoke-on-Trent.

‘I can’t wait to try again on a bigger plate! I love all of the designs we saw at the start…and that we got stuck in straight away! It was great to have a go, thank you!’

The project built community cohesion through collective, creative action and improved well-being through a mindful exploration of materials and the development of new skills. This presentation is a small sample of an amazing array of new works made and decorated during the project. Each piece is a personal response to not only the historic examples studied but, importantly, to the makers’ contemporary lives and interests. They are a self-expression of now; a record of a moment in the makers’ lives that has led them to Stoke-on-Trent.

‘I’ve really loved the engagement, met lots of nice new people…there are people from Gambia, Sudan, Pakistan, from all over the world’

Support

Slip Tales was led by BCB Associate Artist Sue Blatherwick. The ceramics are accompanied by 12 photographic portraits of some of the participating makers by Adina Lawrence. Community groups involved in Slip Tales were Amity Hub, Asha, RCCG Living Water Parish and Stoke-on-Trent College. Monica Cru-Hall, arts therapist and member of BCB’s Advisory Network, played a vital role in building connections with the makers.

Slip Tales is part of the Clay & Communities programme, delivered through a partnership between BCB and Partners in Creative Learning. It was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.