Winning The Clay.
The difficult process of extracting the raw material used in all ceramics is traditionally termed “winning the clay”.
The story of Devon’s ball clay connects the ancient uplands of Dartmoor, through deep time, feats of engineering and innovation in transport, labour and maritime trade, to the Midlands and Staffordshire. Following the journey of the clay, through our practice-based research, will illuminate some of the marginalised narratives of industrialisation, and signpost new cultural imaginaries for the reparation of environmental and human well-being at these sites and in these communities.
Discover the projectOur Mission
We combine research-based creative practice with detailed primary research, data gathering and field work, in seeking to understand and uncover new knowledge about the histories and cultural legacies of the UK's historic ball clay industry and production, situated in South Devon and Stoke-on-Trent. Through innovative interdisciplinary research methods, the project outcomes will diversify the currently very limited range of narratives found in historical accounts of these processes, both at a local level and in the public domain.
Learn about the projectShare Your Story
We are gathering personal and community histories connected to ball clay, pottery, and the landscapes of Devon and Staffordshire. Your experiences matter.
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