`Our Ceramic Life`
Commissioned to produce a soundscape for a multimedia exhibition led by Valentine Clays in Stoke on Trent. There is a feeling of a positive resurgence in the ceramic industry centred in Stoke on Trent, with a focus on taking the traditional craft into the future.
Every sound in the work is derived from recordings made in the field at factory sites around the area. These sounds are then isolated, enhanced and then reconstructed into a soundscape representing the forward movement of the raw earth to modern ceramic works.
Track 1. Alchemy. The mystery and magic of producing fine clays from raw materials.
All sounds recorded at the Valentine`s works in Stoke on Trent.
Track 2. Firing. The dramatic exchange of heat for durable beauty.
All sounds recorded at the Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke on Trent and Crown Derby works in Derby.
Track 3. Life Blood. Representing the bringing of life to the crafted objects as well as restoring life to an industry.
All sounds recorded at the Lucideon facility and Wade Ceramics in Stoke on Trent.
Recording, editing and mastering – John Shapter
Recorded on Zoom handheld digital recorder in the field. Created and edited with Audacity on Motion semi-rugged laptop.
Below is a 20min compilation of sections taken from all 3 tracks (described above) ~~
Commissioned to produce a soundscape for a multimedia exhibition led by Valentine Clays in Stoke on Trent. There is a feeling of a positive resurgence in the ceramic industry centred in Stoke on Trent, with a focus on taking the traditional craft into the future.
Every sound in the work is derived from recordings made in the field at factory sites around the area. These sounds are then isolated, enhanced and then reconstructed into a soundscape representing the forward movement of the raw earth to modern ceramic works.
Track 1. Alchemy. The mystery and magic of producing fine clays from raw materials.
All sounds recorded at the Valentine`s works in Stoke on Trent.
Track 2. Firing. The dramatic exchange of heat for durable beauty.
All sounds recorded at the Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke on Trent and Crown Derby works in Derby.
Track 3. Life Blood. Representing the bringing of life to the crafted objects as well as restoring life to an industry.
All sounds recorded at the Lucideon facility and Wade Ceramics in Stoke on Trent.
Recording, editing and mastering – John Shapter
Recorded on Zoom handheld digital recorder in the field. Created and edited with Audacity on Motion semi-rugged laptop.
Below is a 20min compilation of sections taken from all 3 tracks (described above) ~~
The full work can be purchased as -
1. High Quality CD, please email for details.
2. MP3 download at:
Gallery link here
1. High Quality CD, please email for details.
2. MP3 download at:
Gallery link here