Jon French, ceramic artist and master craftsman, has been demonstrating his skills to shoppers in The Potteries Centre, Hanley, this week – part of a programme of events during the Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ exhibition at Spode Museum Trust in Stoke.
Commissioned as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations, Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ explores the enduring legacy of the Willow pattern – one of North Staffordshire’s most iconic and globally recognized ceramic designs. Originating around 1790 and inspired by Chinese porcelain, the Willow pattern became a worldwide commodity through British adaptation and mass production, embedding itself firmly in global visual and material culture.
Spode Museum Trust
The exhibition at Spode is curated by Professor Tiejun Hou, Jingdezhen Ceramic University and Professor Neil Brownsword, University of Staffordshire. It continues until the end of March 2026.
Website: www.spodemuseumtrust.org
Website: Jon French ceramics
