With the decline of the Ceramics industry in Stoke-on-Trent, the story of Emma Bridgewater's success is somewhat inspiring.

A family owned business, Emma and her husband, designer Mathew Rice (pictured) are still at the heart of the business.

Constantly striving for individuality, Emma Bridgewater products are highly distinctive due to the hand-made sponge ware and beautifully decorative hand painted designs.

How is Emma Bridgewater made?

All Emma Bridgewater pottery is made by hand using traditional manufacturing techniques in Stoke-on-Trent.

The pottery is made from earthenware, the traditional body for everyday, informal pottery.

It is cream in colour and has a smooth, strong feel and finish. It is tough enough to withstand daily use but elegant enough to give it desirability.

Emma Bridgewater hollow ware is slip cast in moulds and left to dry on racks. The flatware is jollied on plate making machines by skilled operatives. Once dry each piece is fired. The ware that leaves the kilns after this first firing is called ‘biscuit ware' and once cooled is ready for decoration.

Sponge decorators apply colour direct to the pottery, which is then glazed and fired a second time. Because the decoration is under the glaze it cannot fade or be removed. The sponges used are cut by hand using a hot tool. The technique is similar to that of potato printing that we all did as children.

Lithographed ware, such as the ‘Birds' range has an extra firing in the process. The lithographs are applied on top of the glaze, then put through a third firing in the kiln, which fixes the lithographs onto the finished ware. This is called "in-glaze" and ensures the patterns are there for good. They will not fade or scratch off over time.

Each piece is meticulously made in Stoke-on-Trent. Subsequently the Emma Bridgewater back stamp is given to every item. This records the year it was produced or whether it was a specially designed pattern.