The rebuilt sculpture of Burslem-born potter Josiah Wedgwood was unveiled at Etruria Hall on Sunday (26 October). 

The sculpture, known as Capo, was unveiled at Wedgwood's former home, Etruria Hall, by Lord Mayor of Stoke on Trent, Cllr Steve Watkins, and Chloe Chard, widow of the late sculptor Vincent Woropay. 

The return was announced earlier this year following restoration work by Hanley-based heritage construction specialists Alliance Technical Services Ltd. Many of the bricks were saved and new bricks were gifted to the city council by Ibstock. 

Capo, was unveiled at Wedgwood's former home, Etruria Hall, by Lord Mayor of Stoke on Trent, Cllr Steve Watkins, and Chloe Chard, widow of the late sculptor Vincent Woropay (image via Nub News)

Chloe Chard, widow of artist Vincent Woropay who created Capo for the 1986 National Garden Festival, said: "It's an enormous pleasure for me to see it now restored. 

"It's here at Etruria Hall as a monument to Josiah Wedgwood and also a monument to Vincent 

"I would like to thank everyone who has so energetically, enthusiastically and tirelessly played a part in reviving the sculpture." 

The statue was unveiled at Etruria Hall, Josiah Wedgwood's former home (image via Nub News)

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The sculpture 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. 

Tim Wedgwood, a 23rd generation Wedgwood, said: "I think that it's really important that this reinstatement emboldens the city, and it does embody the spirit of Stoke on Trent. 

"No matter what gets in our way, if we get knocked down, we get back up again."