Centenary celebration of Stoke-on-Trent Cultural Icon Arthur Berry hits the streets

The year-long programme of events celebrating Arthur Berry – one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous cultural icons, continues this autumn with an outdoor exhibition showcasing his artwork. Arthur Berry on the Streets is available in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) for audiences to view until Sunday 14 September. It will then transfer to Newcastle-under-Lyme High Street, alongside the Guildhall, until the end of October.

Appearing over four large display cubes that illuminate at night,  Arthur Berry on the Streets contains information about the artist and his work, including photographs, paintings and poems. One of the exhibition cubes focuses on the Arthur Berry prize, which is awarded to an artist who exhibits at ArtsKeele’s Three Counties Open Art Exhibition every year. The award helps to keep Berry’s legacy alive, supporting up and coming local artists.

Born in Smallthorne in 1925, Arthur Berry showed an early talent in art. He studied at the Royal College of Art, before returning to his home of Stoke-on-Trent. His creative talents were endless and this exhibition explores Arthur Berry the man, artist, poet and playwright. His fascination with the Potteries and the endless inspiration it provided to him, feature strongly in his work.

Part of Arthur Berry 100 – a series of celebration events happening throughout the year to showcase the artist’s breadth of work, made possible thanks to National Lottery Players through the The National Lottery Heritage Fund – Arthur Berry on the Streets also contributes to the celebrations for SOT100 – a year of activity to mark the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent being awarded official city status.

Director Rachel Adams at Appetite said: “Appetite have been proud to produce this touring exhibition, celebrating one of Stoke-on-Trent’s own. Whether you know of Arthur Berry or have never heard of him, this exhibition is for you. Being outside, the exhibition is always open and looks stunning when illuminated after dark. So have a wander, enjoy the striking artwork and let’s help celebrate this local cultural icon.”

This exhibition, Arthur Berry on the Streets, is just one way you can learn about the man and his work. Arthur Berry 100 is a city-wide celebration of this cultural icon during 2025. Find out more about what you can see, hear and get involved with at www.arthurberry100.co.uk