Rebuilding a Legacy: Capo Sculpture to be Restored in Stoke-on-Trent

A years-long ordeal has come to an end for the family of Vincent Woropay, the artist behind the Capo sculpture, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council announces plans to rebuild and rehome the 10ft red-brick statue of Josiah Wedgwood's head. The artwork, created in 1986 for the National Garden Festival, was mistakenly demolished in 2023 as part of the Etruria Valley Link Road project. After a council investigation and the issuance of new guidelines to protect heritage assets, the council has been working with Woropay's family to ensure the sculpture's reconstruction and reinstatement.

Key Takeaways:

• The Capo sculpture was created by artist Vincent Woropay in 1986 for the National Garden Festival.
• The 10ft red-brick statue of Josiah Wedgwood's head was demolished in 2023 as part of the Etruria Valley Link Road project.
• An investigation was launched by the council after the mistake came to light, leading to new guidelines to protect heritage assets.
• The council has worked with Woropay's family to ensure the sculpture's reconstruction and reinstatement near its original location in Festival Park.
• Many of the original bricks were saved, significantly reducing the cost of the reconstruction project.
• The council has partnered with local company Alliance Technical Services Ltd. to reconstruct the sculpture.
• Ibstock gifted the council the bricks needed for the reconstruction project free of charge.

Statistics:

• The Capo sculpture was 10ft high.
• The artwork was created in 1986 for the National Garden Festival.
• The sculpture was demolished in January 2023.
• The council investigation led to the issuance of new guidelines to protect heritage assets.
• Over the past two years, the council has been working with Woropay's family.
• The bricks for the reconstruction were gifted by Ibstock.

Sources:

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council
• Vincent Woropay's family
• Alliance Technical Services Ltd.
• Ibstock