Capo sculpture set to be unveiled during Centenary year

Plans have been submitted to re-instate a landmark sculpture of world-famous potter Josiah Wedgwood.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has lodged plans to install the Capo sculpture just a stone’s throw away from Wedgwood’s former home of Etruria Hall on Festival Park.

The sculpture – which depicts the head of Josiah Wedgwood – was created by Vincent Woropay for the 1986 National Garden Festival and was subsequently moved to a prominent location near the Grade II-listed Etruria Hall in 2009. It was removed in 2023 as part of the regeneration of Etruria Valley.

Over the past two years, the city council has been working closely with Mr Woropay’s family to ensure the sculpture can be re-built 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.”

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.”

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.

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.