A sculpture of Burslem-born potter Josiah Wedgwood is set to return to Festival Park after it was accidentally destroyed by contractors in 2023.

Plans have been put forward by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to place the brick statue outside Etruria Hall, close to where it was located before being demolished after a "significant operational error" during the works to expand the Marina Way roundabout.

The 'Capo' brick sculpture, depicting the head of Wedgwood, was created by Vincent Woropay for the 1986 National Garden Festival and was moved to the location close to Festival Way and Etruria Hall in 2009. 

Since it was destroyed, the city council says it has been working with Mr Woropay's family to ensure the sculpture could be rebuilt and reinstated close to where it was originally on display.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "When I became the leader of the council, I made a promise to re-build the Capo sculpture and our teams have been working very hard over the last couple of years to ensure this can happen.

"Fortunately, many of the bricks were saved which has meant the cost of this project has been much less than it would have been."

The grade-II listed Etruria Hall is Wedgwood's former home and the plans show the sculpture will be located a short distance away from the old location.

Plans show the rebuilt statue will be placed in a garden area outside hall, facing towards Festival Way but further back from the road than before.

The statue was accidentally destroyed by contractors in 2023. (Jason Lancaster)

The Capo sculpture was reconstructed by Hanley-based heritage construction specialists Alliance Technical Services Ltd. The bricks were gifted to the city council by Ibstock who provided them free of charge.

Cllr Ashworth added: "We have worked closely with a local company which specialises in heritage construction, as well as Vincent Woropay's family, to ensure it can be reconstructed to a high standard and displayed in a prominent place which highlights the significant contribution Wedgwood made to our city's ceramics industry.

"Wedgwood built and lived in Etruria Hall, so it is only right that we mark his legacy and return Capo to Festival Park – and it makes it extra special that this is going to happen in our Centenary year."

It is intended that Capo will be unveiled in its new location later this year, subject to planning approval and negotiations with the land owner, according to the city council.

The plans for the new location are yet to be approved and can be found here.