Working alongside artists from the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), our students helped create a herd of “Ferdinands” – ceramic bulls inspired by The Story of Ferdinand, a classic children’s tale about a peaceful bull who prefers flowers to fighting.

The project invited pupils from across Stoke-on-Trent to explore themes of identity and self-expression through bold, colourful reinterpretations of Ferdinand, originally designed in Queen’s Ware by British artist Arnold Machin for Wedgwood.

Our students took part in hands-on workshops with artists from BCB last term, learning about ceramics, storytelling and their local artistic heritage. Their creations will now form part of a rotating display in the gallery, running through to November.

Emily Campbell, Learning and Participation Manager with British Ceramics Biennial, said: 

“British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) were thrilled that Florence MacWilliams took part in our collaboration with the World of Wedgwood, exploring the Munro Leaf story and Arnold Machin artefact of Ferdinand the Bull.

“The students experienced hands-on clay work through mould making and also had open communication around individuality and peaceful strength, much like Ferdinand himself.

“They responded to the brief with great creativity and thoughtfulness. Many took inspiration from Ferdinand’s gentle nature by incorporating symbolic elements such as flowers or other elements that were personal to their own interests and identity.

“Their interpretations showed understanding of the messaging behind the character of Ferdinand as well as the cultural heritage behind the ceramic craft.”

The project was delivered through a partnership between BCB and Partners in Creative Learning, with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

You can see the artwork made by Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams students from July - September.