HE’S the talk of the rock and pop world just now after the release of bizarre biopic A Better Man – but closer to home Robbie Williams has gone, well, a bit potty.

The former Take That bad boy has partnered with hometown ceramics firm 1882 Ltd. to create technicolour artworks of Jesus and The Pope, which have been on show in London.

The two pieces have been brought to life by craftsmen based in the singer’s childhood hometown, Stoke-on-Trent, which is regarded as the epicentre of British pottery.

And it’s a timely collaboration, with Robbie promoting the movie, in which he appears as a chimpanzee, and Stoke celebrating 100 years of its city status in 2025.

“I’m from Stoke and we are the Potteries and it’s what we are famous for,” says Robbie. “It’s what has given us relevance on the map, in the UK and around the world.

“It is ingrained in me – we are of clay.”

Collaborating with 1882 Ltd. has provided the singer with a natural connection to the art he is now making, as well as to the place where he grew up, and where many of his family have worked in the industry. 

Robbie says they are inspired by the work of British painter David Hockney, American multimedia artist Alex Izrael, Picasso’s abstracts – and the artwork of Beatle John Lennon.

“His very simple, childlike drawings really appealed to me,” says Robbie. “They weren’t of the art world, and I suppose that planted the seed that maybe art was something I could also do.”

Affectionately known worldwide simply as “The Potteries”, Stoke has been encouraged by the response to its call to celebrate the centenary, and is creating a year-long programme of events and activities to build upon its Celebration Weekend of June 7 and 8.

Events will include the return of the British Ceramics Biennial, from September 6 to October 19, bringing together free exhibitions, screenings, talks and events that shine a light on Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage and creative edge.

To learn more about Stoke 100, see the festival website, and to see more of 1882 Ltd’s work, click here.