Tower Poppies return to Stoke-on-Trent in August 2018

Almost three years since the unveiling of the iconic Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper at the Tower of London, it’s been announced that the original Weeping Window will return to Stoke-on-Trent – where half the ceramic flowers were crafted by our expert team.

18th October 2017

Darren Clanford, Creative Director at Johnson Tiles, said: “It’s well known that Stoke-on-Trent has a rich heritage, having been at the forefront of the ceramics industry for hundreds of years. However, thanks to the continued innovation, passion and skill displayed by the many artists and designers working in the city today, we see an evolution of these values for a modern market.

“We’ve had another stellar year, with the City of Culture Bid for 2021 submitted, the British Ceramics Biennial and today’s announcement of the Weeping Window installation being displayed at Middleport Pottery next year. Alongside our peers we continue to push the boundaries of traditional techniques, elevating pottery to the international platform it deserves.”

Of the 888,246 poppies, 11,000 will go on display at Middleport Pottery from 2 August – 16 September 2018, as part of the 14-18 NOW initiative, which has seen the flowers tour to locations around the country.

The initial installation in London attracted millions of visitors, and with such a close connection to the project here in Stoke-on-Trent – alongside the recent City of Culture 2021 bid, and the British Ceramics Biennial – we’re a city in celebration.

Harry Foster, Specialist Products Business Manager at Johnson Tiles, said: “When I look back at what was achieved within such a short space of time, it is still difficult to comprehend, in all my years in this industry I have never seen a team pull together with such drive and determination, and sheer graft to ensure a project was realised.

“It is a testament to the ceramic skills within Johnson Tiles and our city, and only befitting that Stoke-on-Trent feature within the 14-18 now programme. I hope as many people as possible within the city will be able to visit, and hopefully it will help change the perception around our pottery industry, as there is resurgence, we are the capital of ceramics, something that we should all be extremely proud of.”

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