LGBTQ+ mosaic to be unveiled at Spode Museum

Project 93, the Spode Museum, and local artist Olivia Azzopardi, have been collaborating with LGBTQ+ people in Stoke-on-Trent to create a new mosaic, which is due to be unveiled at Spode Museum this Sunday (15^th February 2026). The ‘Pieces of Us’ ceramic mosaic is “a celebration of our vibrant creative spirit and the diverse stories that make our community whole,” explains Project 93.

Project 93 is a registered charity dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by HIV in Staffordshire.

Over the past few months, participants have come together to craft the mosaic, and during LGBTQ+ history month, the creation will be shared in the beautiful setting of the Spode Museum Secret Garden, which becomes its permanent home.

The ‘Pieces of Us’ mosaic brings together the histories and experiences of LGBTQ+ people, with the potteries history of Stoke-on-Trent. North Staffordshire became a centre of ceramic production in the early 18th century, with famous manufacturers including Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Spode setting up in the area.

Josiah Spode, known for his role in the Industrial Revolution, established his pottery business in Stoke-on-Trent in 1774. The Spode Museum Trust was later established by Spode in 1987 to protect items from the Spode collection spanning over 200 years (up to 2008), and to share these unique, historical artefacts with the public.

'The Pieces of Us: LGBTQI+ Community Mosaic Unveiling' event on Sunday 15^th February is the first chance to see the new artwork, as well as meet the artists and participants who “brought this vision of inclusivity and belonging to life”. The event will take place from 2pm at Spode Museum, Elenora Street, Stoke, Staffordshire, ST4 1QD. While registration is not strictly necessary to attend, booking via Eventbrite does help Project 93 understand how many people to expect.

The event will offer “A moment to honour our shared history and the momentum we have built together in Staffordshire,” adds Project 93.

For those who can’t attend the unveiling, Spode Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm, with free admission.