Wedgwood statue demolished two years ago restored to former glory

A big statue of one of Stoke-on-Trent's most influential people has been restored and returned to its original standing place.

The brick face of Josiah Wedgwood was demolished two years ago in what became a huge blunder by the former Tory council.

The brick-built head, known as Capo, was created by artist Vincent Woropay for the 1986 National Garden Festival and later installed near the Grade II listed Etruria Hall in 2009.

It was taken down in 2023 during the regeneration of Etruria Valley but will now be reinstated thanks to restoration work carried out by Hanley-based heritage construction specialists Alliance Technical Services Ltd. Many of the bricks were saved and any new bricks were gifted to the city council by Ibstock.

The council has worked closely with the family of the late Vincent Woropay to ensure that the sculpture’s distinctive character and craftsmanship have been carefully restored.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “When I became leader of the council, I made a promise to rebuild the Capo sculpture.

“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. It’s especially fitting that the sculpture will stand once again in the grounds of the home he built and lived in.

“This unveiling falls during Black History Month, making it an ideal time to consider Wedgwood’s role as prominent campaigner against slavery. His famous ‘Am I Not a Man and a Brother?’ medallion helped raise awareness of the abolitionist movement and stir public conscience against slavery.”

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