Join us for a Playscape Open workshop, led by the Playscape build team, to learn more about rammed earth making techniques and try it out for yourself.

About Playscape Open

Playscape Open is your chance to be part of the creation of a new interactive play structure in Stoke town. Working outside on the Spode Works site, you will work with others to create individual ‘stepping stones’ that will be a key part of the installation. You will learn how to combine clay and aggregate to make a ‘mix,’ then fill circular frames to create the forms, compressing the materials by hand to achieve a strong and stable structure. You will also learn finishing techniques by helping to polish and wax some existing forms.

This workshop will take place outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather conditions that day. We recommend durable clothing suitable for manual work along with sturdy shoes (no sandals, Crocs or high heels).

This workshop is suitable for participants 14 and over. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Playscape Open is for:

• People looking for a free, hands-on clay activity   
• People wanting to contribute to an exciting new interactive play installation at Spode Works 
• People wanting to learn more about the patterns on Spode plates 
• Anyone interested in clay, tile-making and relaxing through making  

About Playscape

Playscape is an innovative collaborative project commissioned by British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) investigating the possibilities for using waste materials to create a play environment for children in the centre of Stoke Town. 

The project draws on an ancient and sustainable building method called ‘rammed earth’, which uses a clay-rich blend of earth materials to construct walls and building elements without the need for firing. The project connects with the clay earth beneath Stoke-on-Trent and reflects on how it shaped the city and its people, as the city became the heart of industrial ceramic production in the UK. This rich heritage is highlighted by the location of Playscape, on the historic Spode Works factory site. We invite people of all ages and backgrounds to help shape the elements of Playscape.

About the BCB Studio

The BCB Studio is based on the historic Spode Works factory site and provides the community with clay facilities in Stoke-on-Trent. It is an inclusive and welcoming space, a place to create, meet others, develop ideas, explore ceramics processes, and refine making skills.

Where and when 

BCB Studio, 118 & 124 Church Street, ST4 1BU

Saturday 26 July 2025

10am-12pm or 1-3pm

Booking

Please book a free place here. If you are unable to attend, please do contact us as there are a limited number of spaces available.  

Suitable for participants aged 14 and over. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Access

• The BCB Studio has flat access via lift (115 cm x 93 cm, max load 400kg)
• There is an  accessible toilet
• We have a portable Loop available, please email ahead of the event if you have need of this system

If there is anything we can do to support your participation in the event, please contact info@britishceramicsbiennial.com to discuss what we can put in place for you.

What’s around

Looking for somewhere to eat lunch while you’re in Stoke? See our Things to do in Stoke-on-Trent page for ideas.

Support

Playscape is commissioned by British Ceramics Biennial (BCB). It is a collaboration between BCB Associate Artist Sarah Fraser, Tuckey Design Studio, rammed earth construction specialist Sami Akkach, Woodcast Designs and University of Staffordshire Architecture students.

The Playscape Pilot build was funded by the High Street Accelerator (HSA) Project with support from the Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The continuation of Playscape has funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is managed by the Stoke-on-Trent City Council.