Comedian, actor and artist Johnny Vegas will this week headline 2025’s British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) with a powerful new installation exploring connection, creativity and emotion.
Just Be There, which is created in collaboration with acclaimed sculptor Emma Rodgers, will be unveiled when the festival opens on 6 September at Spode Works, Stoke-on-Trent.
The centrepiece of Vegas’ work is “an avenue of hugs captured in clay,” a striking installation developed with local people to preserve fleeting moments of physical contact.
Visitors will walk between these hug forms to reach a wall of raw clay, designed as a space to express anger, anxiety, grief or other emotions through free mark-making.
“The wall is an invitation to those who don’t get art, to those who are unhappy, to those who feel bitterness,” said Vegas. “Tell it to the wall, let it out – but never let go of love, never let go of that hug.”
Although best known for his comedy career, Vegas trained in ceramics at Middlesex University before returning to the studio during the pandemic.
His practice, shaped by experiences of ADHD, draws on themes of flight, faith and fear of failure. Partnering with Rodgers, whose major works include Liverpool’s Cilla Black statue and the 11m-tall Liver Bird, has allowed Vegas to develop ambitious large-scale pieces.
Audiences can hear more about their creative partnership at a special BCB event on 18 October, where both artists will discuss Just Be There and lead a hands-on clay activity.
Now in its 15th year, the British Ceramics Biennial is the UK’s leading festival of contemporary ceramics. Running until 19 October, it will showcase bold new work by more than 60 artists through exhibitions, talks, films and community events.
Based at the historic Spode Works, BCB draws on Stoke-on-Trent’s global reputation for ceramics while championing innovation, education and wellbeing.
Hug forms from Just Be There will be available for £800 each, with proceeds supporting BCB’s year-round programme of artist commissions and community projects.
