The Potteries Centre is delighted to announce that internationally renowned ceramic painter Lang Wang will join Makers on the Malls this weekend, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see his artistry first-hand as part of the wider Legacy and Continuity project.
Lang Wang, a fourth-generation master painter from Jingdezhen, China’s historic “Porcelain Capital,” is a direct descendant of Yeting Wang (1884–1942), a distinguished painter of the Republic era. His work represents a remarkable continuation of his family’s artistic heritage.
Most recently, Wang has been featured in the new Willow Pattern: Ceramics and Stories of Other exhibition at the Spode Museum, which runs from 6 September 2025 to 29 March 2026. The exhibition explores cultural exchange between China and Britain and highlights how such encounters fuelled stylistic innovation and technological advancement in ceramics.
On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025, Lang Wang will occupy a prominent spot at the Centre’s front entrance, where he will be live-painting on Stoke-made pottery. Visitors will be able to watch his artistry in action, view previous works on display, and gain insight into his distinctive style that bridges Chinese heritage with Stoke’s world-famous ceramics tradition.
This collaboration forms part of Legacy and Continuity, a project that celebrates human ingenuity and skill across cultural boundaries. Working in partnership with Professor Neil Brownsword of Staffordshire University, the initiative explores how cultural exchange has historically shaped the identity of British ceramic manufacture and looks ahead to new collaborations between Stoke-on-Trent and Jingdezhen. Legacy and Continuity is funded by Arts Council England.
Professor Neil Brownsword said:
“I’m delighted that the Potteries Centre is showcasing Lang Wang’s extraordinary talent as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations. As a fourth-generation master painter from Jingdezhen—the porcelain capital of China—I hope visitors will find connections between our shared craft heritage that transcend cultural boundaries, deepening their understanding of China’s historic influence on North Staffordshire’s ceramic traditions. This connection not only reinforces Stoke-on-Trent’s designation as a World Craft City, but also marks the beginning of meaningful collaborations between two historic centres united by the material culture of ceramics.”
Amy Whittaker, Centre Director at The Potteries Centre, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Lang Wang to The Potteries Centre as part of our centenary celebrations. His presence connects Stoke-on-Trent’s proud ceramic heritage with international artistic excellence, giving our visitors an unforgettable experience right here in the heart of the city.”
Later this year, The Potteries Centre will also host another distinguished ceramic artist, continuing its commitment to celebrating Stoke’s centenary through creativity and cultural exchange.
Makers on the Malls runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 13th September, featuring dozens of local makers, artists, and independents.
For more information, visit: www.potteriescentre.co.uk
