Robbie Williams art displayed at ceramics showcase
Ceramic artworks inspired by drawings from Robbie Williams have taken centre stage at a pottery exhibition in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Burslem-born singer teamed up with ceramics firm 1882 Ltd to create technicolour pieces of Jesus and The Pope, which went on display at The Potteries Gallery and Art Gallery in Hanley on Tuesday.
In a recorded video message shared by 1882 Ltd, Williams said he "never imagined" they would one day be shown at the museum during the city's centenary year.
"I'm from the Potteries, Burslem born and bred. Clay built our city. We are of the earth - we are earthy people," he added.
Emily Johnson, owner of Barlaston-based 1882 Ltd, said working with Williams was an "absolute joy" and said she had to "contain the 13-year-old girl" inside her when she spoke to him.
"He's amazing, he's fantastic. He is a prolific artist so it was really cool to be able to go through all his ideas," she told BBC Radio Stoke.
The popstar was also one of 60 artists to have donated artworks that have been transformed into 61 plates by 1882 Ltd, all of which are also on display at the exhibition.
Other designers include Marcel Wanders, Maxim, Sandy Powell, Shona Heath, Barber Osgerby, Bruce McLean, Max Lamb, Zandra Rhodes and Faye Toogood.
The 61 plates will be auctioned off and Ms Johnson said she was hoping to raise about £29,000 to set up a one-year apprenticeship in 1882 Ltd's factory in a bid to encourage younger people into the industry.
"We don't get any government support and there aren't any workable apprenticeship schemes for our industry," she said.
"We have the best workforce in Stoke-on-Trent, but the average age in our factories is 55 and what will we do when these incredible skills retire?"
The 100 Years, 60 Designers, One Future exhibition will be held at the museum until 7 December. The auction for the plates has begun online and will last until mid-September.
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