Christopher Bailey, the man who transformed and redefined #Burberry leads consortium that has acquired @burleighpottery “Burleigh has an extraordinary history, and what makes it so special today is the skill, care and creative spirit that continue to define the business. “I am deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that make Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house.” ft.com/content/fdd5e7bc-70aa…

Heritage is arguably the strongest element of Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural offer. Culture and heritage is in the fabric of our World Craft City’s communities and its people which is why we need a living Culture & Heritage Strategy to underscore our ambitions to become a UNESCO Creative City.

May 1 is Staffordshire Day. This year it will also mark the 40th anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth II visiting Stoke-on-Trent to officially open the National Garden Festival, promoted as ‘the biggest leisure event in Europe’. As well as showcasing a new way of thinking about the meaning and purpose of urban space in the de-industrialising Potteries and building on the region’s industrial and ceramics heritage, the National Garden Festival celebrated the fusion of art and industry as a springboard for the public-private sector development of Festival Park. It also sowed the seeds for marketing Stoke-on-Trent as a tourist destination with the city subsequently being at the vanguard of developing a ceramics-led cultural and tourism movement.

Insightful first meeting with @ReFormHeritage @Middleport_Pot new Chief Executive to discuss all things culture, heritage, tourism and UNESCO Creative Cities. Excited to hear Andrew’s ambitions for the award-winning living heritage destination. As Keith Brymer Jones remarked: “The atmosphere there is so full of life, industry, heritage and artistry.”