Ceramic Artwork by Robbie Williams on display in Stoke-on-Trent
Four imaginative, dynamic and technicolour ceramic artworks created by Stoke-on-Trent born pop legend Robbie Williams, in collaboration with the Stoke-based ceramic design brand 1882 Ltd. is on display in the city.
The pieces will be displayed as part of ‘100 Years, 60 Designers & 1 Future’, in The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery’s Fine Art Gallery in an exhibition marking the Staffordshire city’s Centenary.
On display will be four imaginative, dynamic and technicolour ceramic artworks. Inspired by two drawings by Williams of Jesus and The Pope, the pieces have been brought to life by the masterful hands of 1882 Ltd.’s potters based in Stoke-on-Trent, not only the historical epicentre of British pottery but Williams’ childhood hometown.
(Images supplied by Stoke-on-Trent City Council)
They will sit alongside 60 specially-commissioned plates created by famous designers including Zandra Rhodes, Bruce McLean and Barber & Osgerby on display for the first time.
The exhibition is brainchild of Emily Johnson, Owner of 1882 Ltd. and opened on Thursday, 12 June.
The 60 plates, signed by each artist and designer, will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibition, with the bulk of the proceeds going towards an apprenticeship scheme. Some 15% will be reserved for QEST to fund a Saturday Club for Stoke-on-Trent schoolchildren to be given the opportunity to work with clay.
Other contributors include world-famous designers like Hayden Kays, Maxim and Giles Deacon.
A limited-edition run of each plate, unsigned, will also be available to buy, with proceeds also going to same causes.
The exhibition will form part of city-wide celebrations marking 100 years since King George V granted Stoke-on-Trent city status on 5th June 1925.
Robbie Williams said: “I have made some of my art out of clay with 1882 Ltd – and it looks amazing. The pottery industry has given me and my people a sense of identity, a sense of pride. Clay built our city. Having it on display in the Fine Art Gallery at the Potteries Museum on the Centenary of our city makes total sense.”
Emily Johnson – a fifth generation of the famous Stoke-on-Trent Johnson Brothers family – said: “We are so incredibly proud to be showing Robbie’s work in the heart of where it was made and where we are from. Robbie is an audacious visionary and it has been a joy to work with him and bring his artwork to life – a true meeting of the minds of Stokies – and so to show it in the Fine Art Gallery of the Potteries Museum is completing the circle.
“We have also curated 60 incredible artists and designers who have donated a piece of artwork – whether an illustration or drawing, painting, creative graphic -their brilliance and generosity just shows the love and support for our incredible industry and our amazing Potters. – this is a wonderful, life-enhancing and inspiring project.”
In the thirteen years since the company was formed, 1882 Ltd has worked ceaselessly to be true to its manifesto of progressive design and industrial craftsmanship. The company has collaborated with pioneering artists and designers such as Barnaby Barford, Max Lamb, Faye Toogood and John Pawson, producing works of art as well as tableware.
Emily said: “We produce a combination of essential objects and special pieces that highlight the centuries of industrial heritage craft skills and knowledge that reside in the heart of the British ceramics industry – Stoke-on-Trent.”
Robbie Williams was born in Stoke-on-Trent and went to school at St Margaret Ward Catholic School in Tunstall. His parents ran the Red Lion in Burslem and the Port Vale Social Club. Robbie is one of the most decorated music artists in the world with six of the Top 100 best-selling albums in British history, a huge 80 million album sales worldwide, 14 Number 1 singles and a record 18 BRIT Awards – more than any other artist. He secured his 14th UK Number 1 album in 2022 with ‘XXV’ breaking the record for the solo artist with the most UK Number 1 albums. His total chart-topping UK albums across his solo work and records released with Take That now stands at 19. It places him in the top two acts of all time with the most Number 1s across their catalogue.
Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This world-class exhibition is a huge coup – and a fitting centrepiece to our Centenary celebrations.
“Creativity and ceramics are at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s story – and this event celebrates both in the best possible way. It’s great that the exhibition will feature the work of one of this city’s favourite sons, Robbie Williams, as well as some of the world’s greatest designers.
“As a city, we are hugely proud of the work of Emily and 1882 Ltd, who showcase all that is best about the modern ceramics industry. I can’t wait to go along and see these works on display in the wonderful setting of the Potteries Art Gallery and Museum.”
