A CELEBRATION OF A CULTURAL ICON
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Arthur Berry, Stoke-onTrent’s famous poet, painter, playwright and oatcake extoller – the ‘Lowry of the Potteries’ whose artistry and storytelling continue to make big impressions on people from all backgrounds.
Renowned for his evocative paintings, plays and poetry, Arthur Berry captured the essence of working-class life with an authenticity that has cemented his place as one of the most celebrated cultural figures of the Midlands. His vivid portrayals of industrial landscapes and everyday people offer a timeless reflection of the spirit and resilience of the Potteries.
This special centenary year presents a unique opportunity to honour the artist’s legacy and explore the profound impact of his work.
With events across the year including exhibitions, performances, discussions and more, audiences are invited to engage with the life and creativity of a man whose art and words have inspired generations.
Cover image: Dulcie Potts by Arthur Berry, 1979.
Photos: Arthur and Cast at the New Vic Theatre by Horace Wetton (1986); Arthur Berry by Chris Rushton (1976).
Discover Arthur Berry and his work for the first time, or revisit his work with fresh eyes and celebrate his extraordinary life and contribution to art, literature and culture in 2025. Find out more about what you can see, hear and get involved with throughout this brochure.
In addition to all of the events happening throughout the year, the memory of Arthur Berry will also be preserved through an archive of his work that will be collated and opened up to the public. This will include sketches, artefacts from his studio including furniture and books, and more.
The archive of his work will be made available to view as part of the anniversary year of the artist’s birth. Visit the website for more details.
arthurberry100.co.uk
‘Arthur, don’t talk so bloody daft. Folks dunner want art round here, it’s for the toffs in London. Keep on with it and theyt be a three and sevenpence halfpenny man all thee life.’
Arthur Berry, in A Three and Sevenpence Halfpenny Man (1986), quoting his father.
Image: Arthur Berry Self-Portrait
“The gifts of an artist only really come to life if they have an audience” Arthur Berry,
Discover the work of Arthur Berry during 2025 – the centenary year of the birth of this local cultural icon. Find out where you can experience the life and work of this artist, poet and playwright throughout this brochure.
BERRY – RAW
From: Thu 30 January to Sat 1 March
Admission: Free; venue opens 10.00am
Location: New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 0JG
Presented by: Barewall Gallery, with kind permission from the Berry Estate, private collectors and partners
A Centenary Exhibition of paintings, drawings and artefacts from the Arthur Berry Estate
RAW is an important exhibition of Arthur Berry’s paintings, showing BERRY at his most authentic, honest self, rooted in expressing the human condition in its raw state. The exhibition includes never-before-seen artwork, shown alongside original sketches and items from the Berry archive.
Expect the unexpected – Berry: uncompromising, strong, making art for himself and for art’s sake. Although this work can be immersed in the silt of his Potteries upbringing, his work is universally important dealing in a brutally honest expressionism of life.
Exhibition catalogue and limited merchandise available from New Vic Theatre, Barewall Gallery and at www.barewall.co.uk
Date for your Diary:
Lunar Art and Wine Arthur Berry Talk Wed 26 February 6.30-9.30pm Lunar Restaurant at World of Wedgwood.
See arthurberry100.co.uk for more details.
Image opposite: Rider, Arthur Berry 1987
ARTHUR BERRY – NEW PERSPECTIVES
Sat 8 February 2.00pm
Admission: Free
Location: Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 0QP
Presented by: Staffordshire Film Archive
In this special archive film screening, audiences are offered the chance to find out more about Potteries’ cultural icon Arthur Berry in his own words - and from the people that knew him best.
Featuring many examples of his work, alongside filmed sequences of the artist, poet, playwright and author talking about his home city, his artistic techniques and subjects, plus readings of some of his poems and musings about the plays he wrote for the Victoria Theatre, this is a great opportunity to delve into the history of a local hero.
Artists Tony Wild, Jim Rushton and Enos Lovatt and actors Steven Granville, David Bowen, Sally Hedges and James Masters all feature in this special film, alongside insights from former student Jiri Borski, Arthur’s wife Cynthia and the New Vic’s founding director Peter Cheeseman.
Join host Ray Johnson for an extra special event to celebrate one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous sons. The event will also include the first screening of A Bunch of Flowers; see details on page 10.
Photo by Gerald Wells, 1984. Film Shows produced by Ray Johnson. Archive footage from Staffordshire Film Archive, Media Archive for Central England (MACE), Victoria Theatre Archive.
Film Screening
Booking required
For details on further screenings, visit filmarchive.org.uk https://tinyurl.com/yvmvfc6y
The Tin Chapel, Arthur Berry, 1990
Arthur’s favourite flower, “The humble Dandelion”, Arthur Berry, 1969
THE TIN CHAPEL AND OTHER BITS OF DAFT
Available from Thu 6 March (World Book Day)
Presented by: Barewall
Newly adapted for children aged 7-11 from a story recorded by Arthur Berry about his 1930s childhood, The Tin Chapel is richly illustrated with paintings from across his career and will bring the Potteries’ painter and writer alive for a new generation.
This first publication of the story, alongside two whimsical poems, will be launched on World Book Day with readings by Stoke-on-Trent Poet Laureate, Nick Degg.
A BUNCH OF FLOWERS
Available from February 2025
Presented by: Barewall
A Bunch Of Flowers is a stunning new animation that will bring Arthur Berry’s story to life like never before.
Combining audio of the artist recounting a story from his childhood with visually beautiful animations of paintings from across his career, this is an opportunity to experience Berry’s work in a whole new way.
Available online, with special screenings from Staffordshire Film Archive.
DANDELIONS
Available from February 2025
Presented by: Barewall
Arthur Berry’s classic collection of poetry is reissued and expanded for 2025 as a special commemorative edition.
ARTHUR BERRY COLOURING GALLERY
Available from February 2025
Presented by: Barewall
A stunning gallery of Arthur Berry paintings and colouring pages to introduce a new generation to the visual world of Arthur Berry.
Published Book and Film screening
A Bunch Of Flowers will also be available to view online
A PIE, A POEM AND A PORTRAIT
From April 2025
Admission: Free
Location: Various across the City
Presented by: New Vic Borderlines
Arthur Berry’s imagination was fed by the rich heritage of the Potteries and the lives of local people.
A Pie, A Poem and A Portrait will see Arthur Berry’s artwork and poetry brought to life in school yards, parks, community centres, pubs and unusual locations all across Stoke-onTrent.
Audiences are invited to enjoy a performance, create their own piece of art and celebrate where they live in their own authentic style - inspired by Arthur Berry’s own ethos.
Visit the New Vic Borderlines’ caravan when it visits your area and enjoy the exhibition of community poems and pictures in this celebration year.
You might even enjoy a free pie on your visit!
Image opposite: Edgar Barnish, “The Spanish Dancer From Pinnox Street”, Arthur Berry 1976
SKETCHY THE VALUE OF DRAWING
From April – June 2025
Admission: Free
Location: Various across the City
Presented by: New Vic Education
An Arthur Berry inspired journey through art and literacy
What if…
Drawing was valued as much as writing or reading in a child’s education?
What if…
Everyone had a chance to develop their drawing skills from a young age?
What if….
The views and images of our homes and communities were recognised as important subjects for art?
Inspired by Arthur Berry’s vision as both an artist and writer, New Vic Education will work with artists, schools and community groups including Middleport Matters, Smallthorne Primary School, Springhead Primary School and St Nathaniel’s Academy to engage with the skill of drawing.
Inviting people to celebrate their own creativity, participants will explore the art of illustration alongside storytelling; discovering through Berry’s legacy how to powerfully demonstrate the relationship between visual imagery and words, learning techniques and embracing their individual style!
New Vic Education will also work with partners, teachers and communities to develop accessible online resources allowing everyone to get involved at home.
Image opposite: The Backs, Arthur Berry 1968
THEATRE MAKER EXHIBITION
From Tue 27 May – Sat 28 June
Admission: Free; venue opens at 10am
Location: New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 0JG
Presented by: New Vic Theatre
A prolific creative artist and writer, Arthur Berry was inspired to write his first play after seeing a production of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood at the Vic Theatre in 1972. Then, a chance meeting with theatre director Peter Cheeseman at the Swan Hotel in Burslem led to 10 years of fruitful collaboration with The Vic.
Five of Berry’s plays were staged at the old Vic on Hartshill Road, before St George of Scotia Road opened the New Vic Theatre in 1986.
An exhibition of a collection of the artist’s original drawings - vibrant characters and settings created for his plays - from the Victoria Theatre Archive at Staffordshire University, alongside production photographs from the performances themselves.
Image opposite: Poster for The Spanish Dancer From Pinnox Street, Arthur Berry 1976
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO PHOEBE SALT
From Sat 31 May – Sat 21 June
Admission: Tickets from £15.00 - £33.00
Location: New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 0JG
Presented by: New Vic Theatre
A world premiere production
Born and raised in the industrial heartland of Stoke-on-Trent, Phoebe Salt spends her days working in the meat market, trapped in a daily grind of blood and bone.
After work, yearning for glamour and adventure, she rehearses her role as a showman’s assistant with the local town entertainer and soon, opportunity knocks.
Will a TV appearance help her finally escape the trials and tribulations of working life or does her fate have other plans?
Arthur Berry, a master of capturing the soul of working-class life, brings to life the grit and resilience of the people of Stoke-on-Trent in this striking drama. Recognising the work of this unsung local hero, Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt is filled with vivid storytelling and rich characters.
Following his own experience as an audience member, Arthur Berry’s relationship with the New Vic as a playwright can be traced back to a chance meeting with the theatre’s founding director Peter Cheeseman, in Burslem in 1972. For 10 years, Arthur Berry’s plays were enjoyed on the Vic’s stage before he became the first playwright to see his work on the stage of the new theatre-in-the-round based in Basford.
Image by Jenny Harper
Image: Burslem Art College, circa 1940
THREE COUNTIES OPEN ART EXHIBITION
Summer 2025
Admission: Free
Location: To be announced
Presented by: ArtsKeele at Keele University and partners
The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition is an open-call visual arts exhibition for artists connected to Staffordshire, Cheshire or Shropshire.
The exhibition spans a wide range of mediums in five rooms inside the purpose-built art school building where Arthur Berry studied and taught. From painting to printmaking, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, moving image and installation-based works, the breadth of exhibited work shows only a small selection of the creativity of the area. With a wonderful display of artwork from local schools, several awards made to exhibiting artists including the prestigious Arthur Berry Prize, a programme of creative workshops and talks and an exciting exhibition celebrating the work of Arthur Berry, this year’s Three Counties Open Art Exhibition will feel extra special.
BERRY: SENSE OF PLACE
This unique and highly personal exhibition explores the places and locations included in Berry’s writings, poems and plays, and in unseen photographs from the archive - all amidst the dulcet tones of Arthur Berry’s voice. A selection of items will be available for sale to accompany the show including artwork from the Arthur Berry Estate.
Alongside the exhibition there will be a range of walks and opportunities to find out more about, contribute towards remembering, and to celebrate Arthur. Events include:
• Arthur Berry Plaque unveiling on the Burslem School of Art
• Smallthorne to Burslem Trail Walk
Discover the new trail as a free guided walk
• Burslem to Middleport Trail Walk
Discover the new trail as a free guided walk
• Arthur Berry
A chance to share your Arthur Berry memories to be saved in the Berry archive
See arthurberry100.co.uk for more details
The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition is organised in partnership with: ArtsKeele at Keele University; Appetite; Barewall Gallery; Burslem School of Art Trust; Character & Arts Foundation; City Learning Trust; ACAVA Spode Works. With special thanks to our awards sponsors – ACAVA, Appetite, Barewall Art Gallery, Burslem School of Art Trust, City Learning Trust, Keele University, North Staffordshire Friends of the Earth, New Vic Theatre Archive Fund and Urban Wilderness.
Exhibition
Image by Andrew Billington
ARTHUR BERRY ON THE STREETS
From August – October 2025
Admission: Free
Location: Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) and Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre
Presented by: Appetite
Across the summer, visit Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley) and Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre to explore this free, pop-up outdoor exhibition.
Exploring the life, artworks and poetry of Arthur Berry, alongside archive photos, the exhibition will illuminate his work and celebrate his life.
The exhibition will also feature some of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition Arthur Berry Prize-winners, shining a light on the incredible legacy of the local artist.
MEETING ARTHUR
Sat 19 July from 10.00am (further details to be announced)
Admission: Free
Location: The Dipping House, Spode Works, Church Street, Stoke ST4 1BU
Presented by: Claybody Theatre
Get involved and be inspired by an installation at The Dipping House. Participate in any of four Creative Workshops: Visual Art; Script Writing; Poetry or Music.
A PORTRAIT OF ARTHUR
Sat 19 July (time to be announced)
Admission: Free
Location: The Dipping House, Spode Works, Church Street, Stoke ST4 1BU
Presented by: Claybody Theatre
Learn more about the man and the artist at an evening talk about Berry’s life and work.
ODE TO ARTHUR
Sun 27 July (2 performances, times to be announced)
Admission: Tickets £15.00
Location: The Dipping House, Spode Works, Church Street, Stoke ST4 1BU
Presented by: Claybody Theatre
Join Claybody Theatre for an evening’s entertainment created in response to the works of Arthur Berry, including original monologues written and performed by the Company, and a new musical piece by Ashley Thompson, performed by COR BACH with ACCELER8 BRASS BAND.
Image opposite: The Pigeon Fancier, Arthur Berry, 1973
Did you know Stoke-on-Trent turns 100 in 2025? Did you know Stoke-on-Trent turns 100 in 2025?
THANKS TO
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Arthur Berry 100 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to create an exciting programme of work allowing renewed access to this important figure’s work.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Arthur Berry 100 is delivered in partnership by New Vic Theatre, Barewall Gallery, Arthur Wood Estate, Victoria Theatre Archive, Claybody Theatre, Keele University, Three Counties Open Art Exhibition, Staffordshire Film Archive and Appetite Stoke.
All events presented with kind permission of the Berry Estate.
Arthur Berry, taken 1969