Settling

Exploring Human Migration to Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is known for being the historical epicentre of the UK's pottery industry and the birthplace of pop star Robbie Williams, but it's rich diversity, not so much.

Settling explores the different stories of people who have moved to Stoke-on-Trent from around the world. Settling was supported by GRAIN Projects, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Appetite and Arts Council England and was exhibited at Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Hanley from May to September 2019.

Made in collaboration with local residents, Settling is a series of diptych portraits that tell the stories of people who have moved to Stoke-on-Trent from around the world. Stories include the life journey of World War Two veteran Walerian Tyminski, Pat Phillips the wife and business partner of a local artist, and Aida Haughton’s story on finding love in post-war Bosnia & Herzegovina. These twelve diptychs include individuals’ own family album images, which are shown alongside a portrait created by Ivin, reflecting on the experiences that have bought them to Stoke-on-Trent, the city they now call home.

With support from B. ARTS, three new portraits were created in 2025, as part of Stoke's centenary celebrations. These were displayed at Staffordshire University alongside the original project, with the hope these hidden stories will continue to be documented and shared with new audiences.

Visit dedicated website, settlingstoke.com to discover their stories and pictures in more detail.