Students reimagine iconic Willow Pattern in Potteries Centre exhibition

Willow Pattern-inspired ceramics made by Pinc College students are being showcased in Hanley following a creative collaboration with University of Staffordshire.

Pinc College offers creative education and career pathways for neurodivergent young people aged 16-24 and locates their students within cultural institutions, including Smithfield Works in Hanley and Middleport Pottery in Burslem.

A five-day artist residency led by University of Staffordshire’s Professor Neil Brownsword invited students to explore the Willow Pattern – one of North Staffordshire’s most globally recognised ceramic designs – through a series of intensive workshops.

While often perceived as Chinese in origin, the design is a Western interpretation of imported Chinese porcelain. The workshops were inspired by Brownsword’s current exhibition Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ at Spode Museum which explores this history and has recently been extended until 30 August 2026.

The Professor of Ceramics introduced students to specialist craft skills and encouraged them to experiment with a range of traditional and contemporary ceramic techniques to produce new interpretations of the iconic motif.

After five inspiring days making, 20 bags of clay, and a week of kiln firings, the Pinc College students’ work is now on display at The Potteries Centre until Friday 6 March.

Professor Brownsword said: “The residency with Pinc College was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect North Staffordshire’s ceramic heritage with a new generation of makers. Using the Willow Pattern as a point of departure, I wanted to create an environment that encouraged experimentation, risk-taking and critical reflection.

“Using clay as a material offered the students a direct, tactile way of thinking. The workshops were intentionally fast-paced and exploratory, allowing students to respond instinctively and develop an individual voice through the making process. One of the most significant outcomes was witnessing confidence grow through creative freedom and hands-on engagement – demonstrating how material exploration can open new pathways for understanding both heritage and self-expression.”

Himarni Brownsword, Cultural Connector at Pinc College, added: “For many of the students, this was the first time they had ever used clay. Through their exploration of the Willow Pattern, Pinc students were able to learn about cultural exchange and appropriation. The resulting work presents deeply personal responses from each student. If you’re nearby, please stop by, support our talented students, and take a look at their work.”

The exhibition Divided Labour: Reimaging the Willow Pattern is on display until Friday 6 March at the Potteries Centre in Hanley, opposite Pandora.