In 1984, Emma Bridgewater was working in London soon after leaving university. She was hunting for a birthday present for her Mum. She wanted to give her two cups and saucers that would say 'I love you. I miss you'. She hoped to see china that would capture the warm, welcoming spirit of her mother's kitchen. All she could find at the time were dainty and formal or robust and decidedly unromantic. Emma had a vision of the dresser from her mother's kitchen. She imagined it in a china shop, full of colourful, mismatched pottery. She felt the only way to make the vision a reality would be to start making china herself.
Emma Bridgewater first came to Stoke-on-Trent in 1985 where a local pottery company helped to her to create her very first pieces. In 1996 she and husband Matthew Rice moved production to the traditional Victorian pot bank alongside the Caldon Canal where every piece of pottery is still made by hand. Around 185 people work at the Emma Bridgewater Factory on Lichfield Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, a site first opened by the Meakin brothers in 1883.
Our group decided they would love to visit the Bridgewater Decorating Studio where they were able to choose a classic, un-fired, Emma Bridgewater pottery shape and use their creativity to design any pattern or picture . There was a huge variety of ready cut sponges and paintbrushes and water based paints to help make their own unique designs or wording.
"What shall I choose?"
So many brushes
colours, shapes, patterns!
a bit of sponge decoration perhaps?
Before and after firing
Some drawing
Carole did some freehand painting
Everyone found the painting process very relaxing and the whole day gave people the chance to catch up with old friends and new.
A child's mug, lovingly painted by his Grandma
perhaps it will become a family heirloom?
It's a holly jolly time of year!
Baby plate decorations for a new baby
Some more designs after firing
There is a fabulous collection of framed tea towels, many designed by Matthew Rice's mother Pat Albeck here is a great article Back To The Drawing Board looking at her Oxfordshire home and works in situ. We would love to find a copy of this book too!
There is a secret walled garden to be found
and you can see how the natural world
growing and cultivation is at the heart
of work by Emma Bridgewater, Matthew Rice and Pat Albeck. It may be winter outside but for a wander through the seasons follow the link to Arthur's Blog to read more about the gardening year in the Walled Garden. If you are inspired why not check out his book too!
There are always flowers to be found
and it is a joy to eat in the Cafe which enabled us
to feast whilst using the many designs
Even if you have the smallest kitchen with no room for a range decked with gorgeous crockery it is possible to enjoy the dream and be inspired by all the art, craft, design and industry to be found in one small corner of Stoke-on-Trent.
The Afternoon tea is delightful too!
We were back before Christmas to collect the fired wares.
