Robbie Williams is partnering with hometown ceramics factory 1882 Ltd. and The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery to stage an exhibition of his four ceramic artworks in Stoke-on-Trent, which will now run until 7 December.
The singer, song-writer, superstar son of Stoke-on-Trent, Robbie Williams says, "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. And having it on display in the Fine Art Gallery at the Potteries Museum on the Centenary of our city make total sense”.
Creative Director, Co Founder and Owner of 1882 Ltd, Emily Johnson says, Emily Johnson says: “This is a wonderful, life-enhancing and inspiring project.
“We are so proud that 1882 Ltd. has been given the opportunity to include Robbie’s artwork in this exhibition, which showcases world-class design in a way that is unique to the city.
“We have also curated 60 incredible artists and designers who have donated a piece of artwork - whether an illustration or drawing, painting, creative graphic - each of which will adorn a set of 60 simple rimmed, fine bone china plates made in Stoke-on-Trent.”
These 60 plates, which will be signed by each artist and designer, now stand alongside Robbie’s work in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery; and will be sold in a silent auction - with proceeds going towards an apprentice scheme, and 15% to go to QEST to fund a Saturday Club for Stoke-on-Trent school children to be given the opportunity to touch clay.
A limited-edition run of each plate, unsigned, will also be available to buy, with proceeds also going to same causes.
Artists and designers include: Robbie Williams, Barber & Osgerby, Zandra Rhodes, Hayden Kays, Maxim, Bruce McLean, along with many others.
Emily Johnson is a fifth generation of the famous Stoke-on-Trent Johnson Brothers family. And at the core of her company is progressive design and industrial craftsmanship.
“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,” she explains.
In the thirteen years since the company was formed, 1882 Ltd has worked ceaselessly to be true to its manifesto, collaborating with pioneering artists and designers such as Barnaby Barford, Max Lamb, Faye Toogood and John Pawson, producing works of art as well as tableware.
Her most recent collaboration has been with Robbie Williams.
The latest news from 1882 Ltd. is “music to the ears” of everyone involved in generating a party atmosphere in The Potteries in 2025, to mark the fact that Stoke-on-Trent gained city status exactly 100 years ago.
The exhibition - 100 Years, 60 Designers & 1 Future - officially opened at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery on Tuesday 24 June. On the same day, The Financial Times ran a feature asking Plate expectations - can an army of designers help save Stoke-on-Trent’s potteries?
Located in the Fine Art Gallery at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, full details can be now found at https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/whats-on/events/100-years-60-designers-1-future/.