At Alfresco Emporium we love to travel the world looking for new designs and different products to bring back home to Australia. One of the designers we fell in love with many years ago was Emma Bridgewater. You may not be familiar with her name but I'm sure you would recognise some of her gorgeous designs.
Emma Bridgewater is a well known English potter who has been producing her hand decorated earthenware since 1985. The company is directed by Emma Bridgewater and her husband Matthew. What sets Emma Bridgewater apart, and makes it so desirable, is the fact that the whole collection is hand painted, the designs and range is extensive, and finally, all Emma Bridgewater pottery is produced in Stoke-on-Trent, England's famous earthenware region since the 17th century. Emma Bridgewater is on a mission to put Stoke firmly back on the map.
Our Favourite Emma Bridgewater Ranges
My personal favourite Emma Bridgewater range would have to be Black Toast. It ties in with many styles of kitchens and is so timeless in its simplicity. Bold black letters line cream pottery stating the use of each piece, eg: "bubble & squeak, bacon & eggs" or my favourite plate in this range; "crumbs & crumbs & crumbs". The range is quirky and perfect for brunch time. Emma Bridgewater's designs have also been taken and used on various other applications. We love that there are now tins, tea towels and aprons available to tie in with all her other gorgeous kitchen products.
For Mother's Day this year we are stocking the gorgeous Rose & Bee design. This nostalgic pattern has a pale blue Persian border, sprinkled with roses and a drowsy little bee.
Special Memories
Louise Hennessy, our Collaroy store assistant manager, has recently returned from a mother-daughter trip to the UK which included a visit to Emma Bridgewater headquarters. At Emma Bridgewater Lou, her mum and two daughters, were taken on a very "hands-on" factory tour and discovered the full workings of Emma Bridgewater. They enjoyed lunch in the gorgeous Garden Cafe and were then led to the design studio where they channeled their creative sides and painted their own ½ pint mug. Even five year old Chloe put her painting skills to the test. Once they had finished, the girls watched as their precious mugs were wheeled off to be fired in the kiln. Lou says a visit to Emma Bridgewater headquarters is a must and was one of the highlights of her trip...and what amazing memories to share with her loved ones for years to come.
Take a video tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory here.