Springtime 2025, we entered a fantastic time where projects in our imagination began to become a reality. We collaborated with two artists with experience and expertise in their existing work to create something magical for Stoke, the town, and the city.

Each of the artists had their approach to the brief, and that’s what this article hopes to share some of. To find out more about Reiko and Rob, visit the Introducing Rob & Reiko blog.

Reiko Kaneko is ceramicist, designer and educator based in London with a studio in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Following a number of conversations, explorations and a written brief, Reiko collated a visual response to the brief that included photographs of her bamboo and initial ideas and approach, e.g. bamboo brushes and research.

Rob Fenton is a graphic artist from Longton, Stoke-on-Trent with 20yrs of experience working in murals, design and artworks inspired by graffiti and street culture. Rob has been a long-term collaborator and supporter of Gemma, Brilliant Bamboo director, and was the creator of our brand. Rob created a pack in relation to his mural which included his approach, visual direction, inspirations and all the other areas we’d need to consider in developing the project.

Here is some video documentation of the development of the project, check back for updates.