Slight Change of Schedule

So, as you may have noticed recently, the blog hasn't exactly been on the regular schedule but that's simply because we're up to much mischief. So in order to keep this awesome blog flowing and make the week work well, we’re trying something new. The blog is going to be posted every Monday, instead of Friday. We're always trying to make sure things work well for the team and our lovely supporters, and often that means doing a bit of trial and error, so you'll have to bear with us and also let us know what you think of our new schedule. Speaking of... Let's get into it.

Darren's Banners

• Teaming up with Dog & Bone, Darren put together a selection of one-off, large banners that would bring a bit of personality and intrigue to a site that is both open to the public and also under construction, making it a more intriguing site to see for visitors, instead of just plain fencing.

• These large banners have a selection of archive images from the Transferware Collectors Club as well as Darren’s collection of photos he has taken over the years, alongside quotes from ex-workers and visitors.

• Also there is a little QR Code on each poster that leads you to the secret page we have on here, that allows you to see the before and after of each image that was put together, including a few unprinted ones too.

Rob C & Mitch

• Our intern is getting a hands-on challenge by putting his Illustrator skills to the test, by working alongside another artist to learn and contribute towards something unique.

• Creating a one of a kind teapot designs inspired by the Saxons, a fellow artist Robert of Etruria has sketched out intricate designs that Mitch will be recreating step by step and working closely together to prepare printing these designs together.

• From being inspired by history to now bringing these calculations and pattern designs of life with the life of Mitch and we’re really excited for them both.

Last visit on Spode

• Thanks to the banners Darren got printed and everyone pitching in to install them, we also got a proper look at the renovations taking place on the site.

• We were even given official access to areas that, honestly, I wasn’t sure we’d ever get to see again, especially with the camera.

• It was a lot of fun revisiting the site, this time with new skills and being able to see first hand the incredible changes happening across different spaces.

BCB

• So we could finish getting fresh photos of certain areas as well as supporting the site and its artists, we were able to go to the BCB for its launch night.

• We chatted with friends, old and new; from general life to creative inspiration and the positivity being shared throughout the evening

• It was incredible to see the site alive, to see such stunning artwork along with so many supporters and artists coming from all over. This leads nicely into the next segment…

Gibran

• So we all know that Darren is a sociable guy, he has this amazing ability to have a laugh and make friends with practically anyone and the BCB Launch night was no exception.

• There was someone in particular though that has had quite the impact. Darren started speaking to a guy called Gibran, who was also wandering around with a cool camera set up.

• It turns out, Gibran had travelled all the way from Mexico to Stoke-On-Trent, just for a few days, to see his short film featured at the BCB this year.

• Our chat over a brew that evening, at the Potbank, turned into a full day of exploring the city with him; meeting locals, swapping stories, and sharing cultural experiences, which included Gibran’s first portion of fish and chips from a British chippy.

• Although Gibran is going back to Mexico soon, our adventures and collaborations with him are far from over, we actually like to think they’re just beginning.