When was emma bridgewater born

But, I suspect, for Emma herself the real pleasure comes from knowing that her mugs and cups, which she still designs, are not just prettifying dressers, but bringing families and friends together. In this extract from her memoir, Emma reveals how she created the iconic mug right that has become a modern classic and the signature of her brand.

I had decided to round up all my favourite things and assemble them in an empty upstairs room. When I had 40 or 50 pieces, I corralled them into groups, their personalities becoming clearer as I sorted them by type. I lay on the floor among them and thought about the things I wanted to create. Alex [my friend] had already, in characteristically practical and slightly roundabout fashion, found a woodturner to make a wooden mug. It had a ridged foot, in imitation of the basic technique of mug-making in 19th-century potteries.

The handle would be added at the end. Following this tradition, I Sellotaped a handle made of thin card on to the wooden mug. If I narrowed my eyes, I could believe it was real and complete. This mug was the centrepiece. I was well aware that I was likely to sell more mugs than anything else and this was to be the definitive mug, full of conviction — cosy, commanding, right. But I had no interest in just selling a collection of mug designs. I needed plates, bowls, jugs and a serving plate or a big bowl for drama in the display.

I ranged mentally among the pots on the floor around me, thinking about kitchens. I could not afford to make more than four or five shapes to begin with, so each one had to be telling. In due course I drew a simple milk jug shape in which I hoped to encapsulate all the bustling, practical, pleasing characteristics of the best jug. And I found a small, straight-sided bowl, which I redrew as a little bigger and fatter than its Scottish original.

This was the right bowl above for the right food: yoghurt and honey; lentil soup; apple crumble and custard — this was to be the bowl you would search for before ever wielding a spoon again.

That settled, I turned my mind to a serving dish, a decent-sized item and preferably one that would fit on the shelves of most dressers. I had not had the courage to borrow that, but no matter, it was in my mind. What was the perfect dish to serve a tomato salad? Or mashed potatoes, or a risotto, or egg mayonnaise? Or, for that matter, to put on the windowsill full of ripe plums? Or in the hall, for car keys and parking money?

I drew a generous round, shallow bowl, then went down to the kitchen to check shelf heights. Now I could almost perfectly see my dresser covered in new spongeware pottery. It was lovely. I really liked it. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We are here for you. If you're used to buying our magazine from the shops, you can now order and receive the next issue delivered to your home. Sign up to receive our newsletter! You're now subscribed to our newsletter. Home Home decor Who is Emma Bridgewater? Everything you need to know. The best statement vases to style up your surfaces Helen Faulkner: handmade pottery mugs and terracotta ceramics.

Sign up for the YourHomeStyle newsletter! Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences Sign in. Sign me up! Rebecca Messina Social networks. But she had absolutely no idea how - or where. A casual conversation with a friend pointed her in the direction of Stoke-on-Trent. And so, Emma Bridgewater, the classic modern pottery brand, was born. Over the last three decades, we've remained true to the spirit of that original, inspirational moment: the necessity of getting the thought and design absolutely right.

We believe everyday kitchen china sits right at the heart of our lives, and that each cup, bowl, jug, and plate holds our personal stories, reflecting shared moments, enriching us as we eat and drink together. Each design starts as a deeply felt personal response to what we love in the world around us. But we only know we've hit the spot when you love it, too. You can now enjoy our designs on glass, tins, picnicware, stationery, wallpaper and fabrics, as well as our own collection of candles and home fragrances.