A reconstructed sculpture of renowned potter Josiah Wedgwood will be officially unveiled this Sunday at his former residence in Stoke-on-Trent, two years after the original artwork was accidentally demolished during urban redevelopment work. The brick-built head sculpture, known as "Capo," has been carefully reinstalled at Etruria Hall and will be revealed in a special ceremony marking its return to the historic site.
The original sculpture met an unfortunate end in 2023 when it was inadvertently reduced to rubble during regeneration works in the Etruria Valley area. The demolition incident sparked significant controversy and led to the resignation of Daniel Jellyman, the authority's former deputy leader who had authorized the demolition order. The mishap highlighted the challenges of balancing urban development with historic preservation in the ceramics-famous city.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth expressed her enthusiasm about the sculpture's restoration, stating she was "incredibly pleased" that the rebuilt artwork would be unveiled during the city's centenary year. "Josiah Wedgwood is one of our city's most influential figures – a giant of the ceramics industry – and his legacy continues to shape Stoke-on-Trent's identity today," Ashworth explained. She emphasized the significance of the location, noting that "it's especially fitting that the sculpture will stand once again in the grounds of the home he built and lived in."
The Capo sculpture has a rich artistic history, having been originally created by artist Vincent Woropay for the 1986 National Garden Festival before being permanently installed at Etruria Hall in 2009. Following the 2023 demolition, the painstaking restoration work was undertaken by Alliance Technical Services, a heritage construction firm based in Hanley. The company made extensive efforts to preserve the sculpture's authenticity by incorporating many of the original bricks recovered from the demolition site.
City council officials emphasized their commitment to honoring the original artist's vision throughout the reconstruction process. They worked closely with the family of Vincent Woropay, who passed away in 2002, to ensure that the sculpture's distinctive character and craftsmanship were faithfully restored. This collaborative approach helped maintain the artistic integrity that made the original piece a beloved local landmark.
Sunday's unveiling ceremony will feature distinguished guests including Steve Watkins, the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, and Chloe Chard, the widow of the sculpture's creator. The event represents not only the return of an important piece of public art but also a celebration of the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while continuing to develop and modernize its urban landscape.
