Artist Bruce McLean creates special 'tile art' to celebrate the ceramics industry

The showpiece artwork is made up of six tiled panels onto which McLean has painted abstract shapes and lines, taking inspiration from the very best in British ceramics and using a palette of seven colours taken from the tile manufacturer's recently re-launched Prismatics range.

McLean says it’s the first time he’s used tiles as a medium, and it presents some interesting challenges: “I normally work quickly with a brush, but the texture of the tiles and their predefined shape required that I slow down, and rethink my technique. This presents a challenge in itself, and I’ve had to learn to work within new boundaries and restrictions. It’s good to be free to experiment and learn to work with a different medium – and that’s something that I’ve really enjoyed about this project.”

"We’re essentially exploring new processes, and finding ways to successfully deliver the artist’s vision. It’s exciting to see what Bruce has created, and it’s a privilege to collaborate with him, providing the platform for what is essentially ‘art on tile’,” said Harry Foster, Specialist Products Business Manager at Johnson Tiles. “This collaboration really demonstrates our eagerness to innovate and push creative boundaries like never before.”

Taking place in Stoke-on-Trent – which is widely recognised as the World Capital of Ceramics – the British Ceramics Biennial is part of a wider programme promoting education and showcasing excellence in ceramic manufacture and design.