Intergenerational Creativity

It's been a wild ride this week, having spoken to and learned about some awesome people. We've been to Gladstone, to Alsager, got stuck (not really in Burslem) and even got some good office work done too. It's probably a little muddled but hopefully it makes enough sense for you to enjoy and read about our week.

Lemmy Encore:

• We visited a friend before the gig kicked in and as the road hadn’t been closed, we figured it’d be safe to park right… Right? Nope, by about 1:30pm, not only was the road closed off, it was also flooded with people (and very cool bikes), so it’s safe to say we were probably staying for the day.

• To be honest, I'm glad we stayed for the whole gig; not only was it  awesome atmosphere that was a true dedication to Lemmy’s spirit, we also got to say hi to our mate Andy Edwards and meet the iconic rock artist Krusher Joule (as well as some lovely cake from The Market Cafe).

• Our friends, Wedgwood & Carol, were also great to catch up with at his art studio, before going out for a wander and capturing some fun moments, while sharing a brew or two in between.

Stoke, Everyday:

• We’ve been to a few great spaces this week, including the Gladstone Museum and Factory, which is always an amazing place to visit. Not only because of the history of the place but also its present and future; there are so many incredible small businesses growing in the industrial area, it’s amazing to see.

• We’ve also had the pleasure of creating family style photos that go alongside some amazing family history. It’s never not amazing learning more about the amazing people that fill this humble city.

• From small beginnings to grand future plans, there is so much more to people than a simple smile at the camera; it’s really incredible to be documenting (and hopefully capturing) these personalities, these stories that are all different.

Creative Spotlight: Donald Morris

• Donald Morris was an artist who documented the changing landscapes of The Potteries through the 50’s past through to the 80’s and a little beyond. Influenced by Arnold Bennett, Morris made sure to find ways of documenting the reality, the hardships and the community of the city, even if it wasn’t in the most systematic way (according to himself that is). 

• His family recently put on an exhibition of his incredible work that captured the attention of a lot of people within the city. A glimpse into the city in its high point of industry; the landscape, the people, the work and everything in between. They are striking and beautiful photos that truly captured the city

• There is a line in his book “The Potteries - A Photographic Record” that I feel summarises his work and his passion behind it - “though the potteries scene has changed, its people remain the same, friendly & with an endearing sense of humour, solid, down to earth as it clay and coal.” - Arnold Morris

Zine progress: Interviews

• Electric Tentacle: Chatting to the two lads that founded Electric Tentacle, through a mutual love of techno music and good vibes.

• Andy and Colin teamed up together to grow their own stand of the movement that is the Electronic Music Open Mic Movement, that is all about people of different abilities and styles working together to make a welcoming space for people to test and share their music.

• Mrs Valerie Morris: We had the opportunity to meet and interview the late Donald Morris’ wife, Valerie, through her wonderful daughter Rosie, who agreed to set up the meeting.

• With the help of Rosie and a few cups of tea, we settled in and enjoyed learning all about Valeria and Donald and her life with Donald as his artist and photographic adventures grew, alongside the family and life. IT was a real treat and Valerie is a brilliant lady with lots of amazing tales to tell.