Falling for a City

How can we fall back in love with our city of six towns?

As part of 2019’s Stoke, a Love Story we wanted to delve deeper into local people’s sometimes complicated and nuanced relationship with the city of Stoke-on-Trent.

To get people talking we turned an empty Longton shop into a pop-up tea room inviting passers-by in for a natter about their most beloved places; we delivered theatre workshops with students, older people and those new to the city asking this question and sent a roaming photographer across the six towns to capture people in the places and spaces that mean most to them.

Take a look below at the beautiful images captured by our photographer Jenny Harper. Hover over for people’s stories of the places they value. Now on display at Longton Exchange.

With thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund and Cllr Asman Ali.

Alan and Margaret, Longton Methodist Central Hall, Longton

WE LOVE LONGTON. Margaret and I are stewards at Longton Methodist Central Hall and appreciate all that is done from there for the benefit of the community. We are also with Longton Community Partnership and BLOOMIN' LONGTON. Both groups do sterling work to benefit the people. We need the help of all out there giving us support and encouragement when you see us at work.

Kendall, The Strand Records, Longton

The small venues in Stoke have had some amazing gigs. I have seen Oasis at the Wheatsheaf in Stoke and The Smiths at the Victoria Hall. This gig at 15 influenced me to open my own record shop.

Ibrahim, Longton

I like fresh air, the parks and sitting and walking. When I have a problem I can sit and listen to the water, it makes things better. My roots are in Stoke.

Helen, Cherished Chimneys, Longport

Beautiful on the outside, and a quirky treasure trove on the inside, Cherished Chimneys exudes vintage charm. I never tire of looking around, and there's always something new to see. Friends are always welcome, with a good natter and a brew guaranteed, along with a high chance of bumping into fellow artists and makers too. Sometimes it feels like a little Bohemian enclave in the middle of Longport.

Orion, Newcastle Library

Newcastle under Lyme looks really beautiful I have friends here. People are welcoming. The library has become really big and is very helpful.

Tracey and Chloe, Longton

I love Stoke-On-Trent. I was born here and I will die here. I sit by the bandstand and remember the past. “Go up Woolworths and get a pick and mix”. It’s not the major things, it’s the little things that makes Longton my Longton.

Vicky, the Eucalyptus Tree, Brunel Walk, Longton

I used to live in Brunel Walk, 5 years ago me and my Dad planted this tree when I made over my garden. Before I owned the house my Grandparents lived here. They loved this garden, as did I. I love that it will be here in Longton for many years to come.

Lilian, Longton

Every Wednesday I meet my friend in the cafe at the Methodist Hall.

Jeff, Longton Central Methodist Hall

Lovely people young and owd.

Oatcakes from shop down road.

Nice little station – our compliments.

Gladstone museum wi’ special events.

The market – friends on every stall.

Our very own massive Central Hall.

No pretending we are what we’re not. We’re down to earth the ‘neck-end’ lot!

Tony and Gary, Longton

Helen, China Hall, Spode, Stoke Town

Spode had always been a place in my consciousness since moving to Stoke on Trent in 2000. As a student at the local university it was a place of trips, a place of reference and a place of craftsmanship.

In January 2016 I returned to Spode to take part in a ceramics course run by the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB). I became intrigued and, at times, even slightly obsessed by the China Hall, photographing it every visit since. These almost weekly visits to a space I really value has given me the opportunity to experience the quiet and peace of the changing space.

Falling for a City

potboilertheatre@gmail.com

CIC no: 09449411