Hello everyone — at last, we can let the cat out of the bag!
We’ve recently been working with a fantastic, well-established local gallery to bring you something special, and it’s the first time our work has been featured in a gallery setting.
Amanda at Barewall Art Gallery, in Burslem, approached us with a brilliant idea: a ceramic cat figure inspired by rock legend Lemmy Kilmister, to coincide with the upcoming rock festival in Burslem and something they could continue to sell exclusively through the gallery.
We’re delighted to say we rose to the challenge — and the figure is now complete and available in the gallery. This is a signed, limited edition of just 100 pieces, available exclusively through Barewall Art Gallery.
We’re especially proud that each purchase will also contribute to the Lemmy Forever IFK Legacy, supporting plans to transform Burslem’s historic Queen’s Theatre into a vibrant music venue and cultural space for the future.
Why Lemmy? Why Burslem?
A little background…
For those not familiar with Stoke-on-Trent, and Burslem in particular, here’s a little context.
Lemmy Kilmister — frontman of the legendary rock band Motörhead — was born right here in Burslem, one of the six towns that make up our city.
Burslem is known as the Mother Town, with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. It was the birthplace of the pottery industry as we know it today, where Josiah Wedgwood’s innovation helped put this area firmly on the global map. The industry flourished, drawing people from far and wide to work “on the pots” — a tradition that proudly continues today.
Burslem also has its fair share of colourful stories too! Local folklore includes Molly Leigh, a mysterious 18th-century figure often described as a witch, who lived with a black crow and is buried in a local graveyard.
In the Early 20th century the town inspired internationally acclaimed local author Arnold Bennett, whose works brought the town’s character to an international audience. We also are proud to hail the amazing artist Arthur Berry as a local hero, playwright, painter and colourful character in his own right, who brought the atmosphere of the city and faces of local people to an international audience too. Today, people are more familiar with the modern day musician and entertainer Robbie Williams who was also born in Burslem in the 1970’s, and he’s proud of it too!
Burslem is NOT short of talent!
Let’s bring you to the heart of this story – Lemmy! Burslem produced another cultural icon, Lemmy Fraser Kilmister, the front man of rockband Motorhead. Lemmy’s unmistakable presence — with his powerful voice and guitar skills, long hair and distinctive style — helped define a global music era. He even collaborated with the Stray Cats as part of The Head Cat and appeared on Top of the Pops, with Kirsty MacCol showing his versatility and playful side. We can’t help but feel he would have appreciated a feline tribute.
Lemmy in Burslem Today
Last year saw the unveiling of a fantastic statue of Lemmy in the Market Place, just outside Barewall Art Gallery. The event drew fans from across the world, many coming to pay their respects — and to see the remarkable tribute created by sculptor Andy Edwards, that even incorporates some of Lemmy’s ashes.
Since then, the town continues to attract visitors daily, including a few dedicated leather clad fans stopping by on roaring motorbikes, all eager to experience this unique part of music heritage.
Across the road, the Queen’s Theatre — adorned with striking Lemmy imagery — forms part of the wider vision for regeneration through the Lemmy Forever IFK Legacy.
Join the Celebration
This Saturday 23rd May, Burslem will host a free Urban Rock Festival, bringing live music, great atmosphere, and plenty to explore.
If you’re nearby, do come along, visit Barewall Art Gallery, and see our Lemmy tribute cat in person. You can chat with Amanda about placing an order and enjoy everything the event has to offer — from live performances to a well-earned pint in the Lemmy Bar.
If you can’t make it this weekend, the gallery is open throughout the week (closed Sundays and Mondays), so you can visit at your leisure.
Find Out More about Our dedication to Lemmy at Barewall Art Gallery.
If you’re interested in purchasing one of the limited-edition Lemmy cats, please pop in or contact Barewall Art Gallery directly:
Address:
2–4 Market Place, Burslem
Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4AT
Online:
- https://www.barewall.co.uk/
- https://www.facebook.com/BarewallLimited/about
- https://www.instagram.com/barewall/
Here are a few recent photos from Burslem that we took on a recent quiet Sunday afternoon, We had a great chilled out time! 🤘
