Sometime back, I believe it was 2015 now, I wrote a blog post waxing lyrical about the British Ceramics biennial and how important it was for Stoke-on-Trent to be the main host but more importantly for the UK as a country to have it full stop.
Much time has past and the many phases of old blogs and websites are but a distant memory now and so subsequently can’t be linked or referenced.
However despite such durations in time, several things remain true, and they are that I maintain my belief that the BCB’s presence in Stoke-on-Trent for six weeks every two years is nothing short of excellent and one of the most positive things to come out of the city.
Since that last blog post I have become wiser to many other things and feel passionately that the agendas of a select few or to say it best, the ‘independent agendas’ are always far more interesting than any council or government agendas. Removed from the notion of deeply filled pockets and how best to climb the corporate/political ladder the folks behind such creative events as the BCB develop these experiences with the purest of intentions and deliver an event that is not just free to attend but completely inclusive to people who may want to take an interest in the world of ceramics prior, during and after it’s time has passed within the city.
The works present may not be to every attendees personal tastes and that’s the beauty of these shows. The level of works in this particular exhibition extend from beginner to expert, and ranges in styles from quintessential ceramic forms through to projects by communities and then into the realms of contemporary and fine art states.
Stoke-on-Trent as a City has a long, long road to travel on before it’s back to any form of former glory but it’s events such as these that give it a fighting chance and catapult the city a few miles along in the right direction.
The 2021 BCB is due to close its doors on 17th October. A unique show, in a very unique setting (one that will never be the same after this event due to the grand plans of Manchester based property developers Capital & Centric), if it’s possible for you, show your support. Speak with the volunteers, read the plaques by the artists and designers (shit, even tag them in posts), and discuss what’s in front of you with some fellow attendees whilst you can.
Stoke will change.
Stoke is changing.
Let’s push things forward.
