Plans to replace demolished Wedgwood statue in Stoke-on-Trent

Plans have been submitted to reinstate a sculpture of world-famous potter Josiah Wedgwood that was inadvertently demolished during construction of a new road two years ago.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has put forward proposals to install the Capo sculpture near Wedgwood’s former home of Etruria Hall on Festival Park.

The sculpture 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.

The authority said it had worked with Mr Woropay’s family on the plans.

The brick structure was reduced to rubble in 2023 during works to expand the Marina Way roundabout, with the city council’s former deputy leader Daniel Jellyman resigning after it emerged he gave the go-ahead for its demolition.

The authority said its aim was to have the sculpture rebuilt and reinstated close to where it was originally on display.

“Our teams have been working very hard over the last couple of years to ensure this can happen,” said council leader Jane Ashworth.

“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 sculpture would be unveiled in its new location later this year, subject to planning approval and negotiations with the land owner, the council said.