What is the British Ceramics Biennial?
The Biennial is a celebration of ceramics and clay that takes place every other year over six weeks starting in September. In 2023 the Biennial will take place from 23 September to 5 November 2023. It includes several exhibitions; artist talks and discussions; tours and events including performances at one of the venues. All this activity showcases exceptional ceramics from UK-based and international artists.
Visit our What’s On page to see talks and events.
Visit our Tours page to see what is available.
Where and when is the British Ceramics Biennial?
The Biennial is held in Stoke-on-Trent as it is a world-famous centre for ceramics. This year there are four venues that will be open from 23 September to 5 November.
All Saints Church
Leek Rd
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 3HH
Open: Every day, 10am – 4pm
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Bethesda St
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 3DW
Open: Wed-Sat, 10am – 5pm and Sun, 11am – 4pm. Closed Mon-Tues.
AirSpace Gallery
4 Broad Street
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 4HL
Open: Tue-Sun, 12pm-5pm. Closed Mon.
The Brampton Museum
Brampton Park
Newcastle-under-Lyme
ST5 0QP
Open: Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm and Sun, 1.30pm – 5pm. Closed Mon.
Please go to the Visit page on our website for more information
What are the transport options between venues and is there a recommended route?
There is no direct transport links between the four venues.
There is no recommended route but please note that three of the venues are within walking distance of each other. All Saints Church is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from both The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and AirSpace Gallery (which are within 1 minute walk from each other).
We recommend getting public transport to the fourth venue The Brampton Museum.
What will I see in each venue and how long do I need to see everything?
The main venue is All Saints Church where there are several exhibitions and displays and visitors can have a go at making ceramics themselves in the Tactile Project Space. We recommend leaving at least 45 minutes for a visit and up to two hours if you spend time in the Tactile Project Space.
Embodiments of Memory by Osman Yousefzada at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. We recommend leaving between 25 and 45 minutes for a visit.
Social Substance by William Cobbing at AirSpace Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. We recommend leaving between 25 and 45 minutes for a visit.
Obsolescence and Renewal by Neil Brownsword at The Brampton Museum in Newcastle-under-Lyme. We recommend leaving between 25 and 45 minutes for a visit.
Are the venues wheelchair accessible?
All four venues are wheelchair accessible. Visit our Access page for more information on accessibility.
Is the Biennial free?
All the exhibitions that take place during the Biennial are free. We do ask that people contribute what they can if they attend a talk.
Is it suitable for children?
Children are very welcome, and all four venues are push-chair friendly. All the work on display is not to be touched but we do have a Tactile Project Space where all aged children (and adults!) can get creative and make a ceramic tile.
Please be aware there are some works on display in All Saints Church that contain adult themes. These are In the Fresh exhibition and by artists Krzysztof Strzelecki and Hugo Hitchins. They are clearly marked in the space so visitors can go an alternative route to avoid them.
Are there any workshops?
The Tactile Project Space is a place where people can get creative and make a clay tile that they can take home. This space is staffed by artists and there is no need to book. Just drop in.
Is there a café?
All Saints Church does not have a café on site and there are limited places nearby to get hot and cold drinks.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and The Brampton Museum both have cafés. AirSpace Gallery is 1-minute from The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and many cafés and restaurants on Piccadilly in Hanley.
Is there a shop?
There is not a British Ceramics Biennial shop at any of the venues. However, many of the works are available to buy. Speak to a member of the team about a price list.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and The Brampton Museum both have their own museum shops but there will be no British Ceramics Biennial merchandise available in them.
