About Stoke Makes Plates

Stoke Makes Plates features more than 250 unique plates that have been made and designed by residents of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.     

 Using plates as an artistic canvas, each creator responded in an individual way. Some explored their heritage, personal stories, memories or recent experiences. While others represented their hopes and wishes for the future or depicted what brings them comfort or solace. 

 With the challenges presented throughout 2020 to 2021, many of the plate design sessions took place online. Clay kits were given to participants ahead of zoom sessions led by artists that saw kitchen tables and communal areas transformed into clay studios. It was possible to hold some of the later workshops in person, giving those taking part the chance to experience different techniques, including throwing and raku.   

Each plate created makes a direct connection with the rich ceramic heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, communicating a thought, idea or representation of significance to the maker. The designs reflect a personal experience of the world, captured in a contemporary moment.

Community Members

Burslem Jubilee  

The Hub, Fenton  

North Staffs Combined Healthcare Early Intervention Team   

Belong Village, Newcastle-under-Lyme  

Haywood Foundation Volunteers  

ABLE   

Merit Academy   

Clay at Home online workshops   

Restoke Mothers – Maternal Journal  

North Midlands LGBT Older People’s Group   

Headway North Staffs  

The Grocott Centre   

Rowan Court Care Home  

RCCG Living Water Parish   

Stoke Recovery Service   

Harplands Hospital   

City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College  

Stoke-on-Trent Adult and Community Learning ESOL students  

Clay Comrades   

Visitors to Stoke-on-Trent Pride 

Lead Artists

Joanne Mills
Joanne Mills website link.

Sarah Fraser
Sarah Fraser website link.

Alice Thatcher
Alice Thatcher website link.

Zeba Imam
Zeba Imam website link.

Supported By

The project was delivered in partnership with Duchess China 1888 and funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council Community Investment Fund and Stoke Town High Street Heritage Action Zone.