The rebuilt sculpture of Burslem-born potter Josiah Wedgwood is set to be unveiled at Etruria Hall this weekend. 

After its return was announced earlier this year, the restored brick-built head, known as Capo, will be officially unveiled on Sunday (26 October) by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Cllr Steve Watkins, and the artist's wife, Chloe Chard. 

The sculpture, which was created by artist Vincent Woropay for the 1986 National Garden Festival, was demolished in 2023 following a "significant operational error" during the works to expand the Marina Way roundabout. 

The incident led to the resignation of the city council's former deputy leader, Daniel Jellyman. 

The restoration work for the Capo sculpture was carried out by Hanley-based heritage construction specialists Alliance Technical Services Ltd. 

Many of the bricks were saved and all new bricks were gifted to the city council by Ibstock. 

Images show the sculpture, depicting the restored head of Josiah Wedgwood (image via Planning Application)

Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "When I became leader of the council, I made a promise to rebuild the Capo sculpture. 

"I'm incredibly pleased that we've made this happen and that the rebuilt statue will be unveiled during our Centenary year – when we've been celebrating Stoke-on-Trent's heritage, creativity and legacy." 

"Josiah Wedgwood is one of our city's most influential figures – a giant of the ceramics industry – and his legacy continues to shape Stoke-on-Trent's identity today. 

"It's especially fitting that the sculpture will stand once again in the grounds of the home he built and lived in. 

"This unveiling falls during Black History Month, making it an ideal time to consider Wedgwood's role as prominent campaigner against slavery. His famous 'Am I Not a Man and a Brother?' medallion helped raise awareness of the abolitionist movement and stir public conscience against slavery."