This week I have been up to Stoke on Trent to visit some of the manufacturers that we are going to be working with us on the project. These people, the majority of whom have worked in the industry-most likely their families too, their entire lives. Seeing the area and industry go through major changes, many have gone freelance and set up studios at home to survive whilst others have migrated to employment at surviving factories. The skills these individuals are incredible, skill sets that they aren’t even taught anymore, they were trained specifically to produce for industry.
First stop was to meet Andrew and Tim (and Rosie the Dog), the modellers, who will turn my shape in plaster, before sprigging (adding relief detail) and casing (making the mould). Next, the factory, who once the mould is prepared will do all of the remaining steps in house. We’re working to a very tight turnaround time, the project needs to hit the ground running so to come up and see the possibilities in process and meet the people is fantastic.
-Oh and of course no trip to Stoke would be complete without sampling some oatcakes.
