Stoke-on-Trent is set to host an international event exploring the global impact of the city's ceramics. 

The Legacy and Continuity: International Ceramic Symposium, which will take place from Friday 21 to Saturday 22 November at Stoke Town Hall and Spode Museum, will welcome leading academics and industry experts from across the global ceramics community.  

Across two days, attendees will hear from international speakers, explore the stories behind iconic designs such as the Willow Pattern and learn more about the global impact of Stoke-on-Trent's heritage and ceramics. 

The event forms part of Stoke-on-Trent's Centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of city status and celebrating the people and skills that have shaped its story. 

Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "Hosting this international symposium in our Centenary year is a proud moment for the city. 

"It places Stoke-on-Trent firmly where it belongs - at the heart of global ceramics research - and celebrates the skills, innovation and creativity that define our city's story." 

The two-day symposium will take place at Stoke Town Hall and Spode Museum (image via Nub News)

The two-day event has been organised by Dr Alasdair Brooks of Re-form Heritage and Professor Neil Brownsword of University of Staffordshire, in collaboration with Jingdezhen Ceramic University, based in China's historic porcelain capital. 

It follows the recent signing of a concordat between Stoke-on-Trent and Jingdezhen, celebrating a shared commitment to advancing ceramic knowledge and creativity. 

Neil Brownsword, Professor of Ceramics at University of Staffordshire, said: "A distinguished line-up of international scholars will gather for a landmark symposium exploring historic ceramic production through the lenses of design history and archaeology. 

"Legacy and Continuity promises to be a unique forum for critical interdisciplinary discussion, uniting experts from across the globe to examine the region's rich ceramic heritage. 

"Leading voices in their respective fields will offer new perspectives on the social, cultural, and technological dimensions of ceramic production in North Staffordshire and examine its historic reach and cultural influence as a global centre of production." 

Dr Alasdair Brooks, Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage, said: "The Legacy and Continuity symposium offers an excellent opportunity in this Centenary year to reflect on the truly global impact of Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics industry, through the study of history, art history and archaeological evidence. 

"I'm delighted we've been able to bring together such an international range of speakers to explore this topic, from Stoke-on-Trent itself through New Zealand, Chile and China – and many points in between." 

The Legacy and Continuity: International Ceramic Symposium takes place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November 2025 at Stoke Town Hall and Spode Museum and is free thanks to National Lottery funding. 

The symposium coincides with the ongoing Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of 'Other' exhibition at Spode Museum which explores the iconic design's cultural history and lasting influence. 

The exhibition runs until 29 March 2026 and is free to visit.