A host of very familiar ceramic creations, which went on show in Stoke-on-Trent over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, are featured in an exhibition currently scheduled to run until July 2.

Nam's Japanese bowls, Clover's Russian dolls and winner, Ryan's hand-built turtle toilet are just some of the items that have helped to 'dress' a very special room never previously open to the public, in what has become one of the nation's best-loved factories.

Dubbed “The Great Exhibition at Middleport Pottery” the show features the designs, creations and work stations belonging to the contestants who threw their pots, and coiled their clay, in front of celebrity judges earlier this year.

Those contestants have now contributed their ceramic creations to a temporary exhibition at Middleport Pottery which, in addition to being able to stage an eye-catching and colourful show for its visitors, is also hoping to offer educational opportunity for would-be potters to learn more about many of the ceramic techniques and processes - from throwing to hand-building, and coiling to raku.

Now a part of the normal heritage tour at the factory, the standard Visitor Centre entrance price of £4 for adults and £3 concessions still applies - and allows visitors to enter what promises to be a very popular exhibition.

There will also be a hands-on opportunity within the room, giving visitors - young and old - a chance to try their hands at coiling. 

For further details, visit http://www.middleportpottery.org/news/.

And for all tourist information relating to Stoke-on-Trent and The Potteries, visit www.visitstoke.co.uk.

Stoke-on-Trent is a world capital of ceramics, and will host the British Ceramics Biennial later this year from September 23 to November 5.

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For further information, and images, please contact:

Claire Williams

Tel: 01782-232817

E-mail: tourism@stoke.gov.uk

Editor's notes:

Stoke-on-Trent is currently bidding for the title of UK City of Culture 2021.  The city is renowned worldwide for its history, heritage and culture.  Culture is central to Stoke-on-Trent's current and future ambitions, and bidding to become UK City of Culture 2021 will significantly strengthen the city's profile and affirm its position as a successful visitor destination.  Further details about the Stoke-on-Trent City of Culture 2021 bid can be found at www.sot2021.com.