As part of our celebrations for Black History Month, the students from Nurture had an inspiring opportunity to deepen their understanding of Black heritage and its influence on art and society. Recently, they visited Stoke Museum to explore the rich history of significant Black figures in our city and to engage with a remarkable new exhibit in the Design Gallery.
The highlight of the visit was experiencing the stunning display by celebrated Staffordshire ceramicist and glass artist Chris Day, titled Fragmented Truths. This exhibit, created as part of the Stoke-on-Trent Centenary Festival and the “I AM A WOMAN AND A SISTER” programme, showcases Day’s powerful works that respond to themes of postcoloniality, the legacies of slavery, and Black identity. His art combines glass, ceramics, and recycled materials to create sculptural pieces that provoke thought and dialogue about ongoing social issues.
During the visit, students were able to see Day’s commissioned piece inspired by the V&A Wedgwood Collection’s anti-slavery medallion, sparking discussions about history and the ongoing fight for justice. They also learned about the artist’s journey, from studying Applied Glass and Ceramics at the University of Wolverhampton to becoming a renowned sculptor whose work challenges and enlightens.
The students also explored local art created by people of Black heritage living in Stoke and Staffordshire, examining paintings, drawings, pottery, and blown glass. They discussed how these artists’ backgrounds influenced their work and shared their thoughts on which pieces resonated most with them and why. The artists explained how their heritage shaped their perspectives and creative expression, fostering meaningful conversations about identity and societal roles. Students then engaged in their own creative activities, including drawing interpretations of the artworks they had seen.
One student commented “We are all the same, no matter where we come from or what colour we are, we’re all the same”





