About Emma.
Emma was born and bred in her beloved City of Stoke-on-Trent in 1968.Coming from a long line of potters in the industry including the famous Thomas Gotham, Emma followed in her Mother's footsteps as a decorator and spent most of her working life in the pottery industry including sixteen years working for the world famous Josiah Wedgwood in decorating department covering all aspects of ceramic decoration, some of which were the renown Clarice Cliff designs.
The start of a new beginning.
In 2010 Emma decided to go it alone, working from home and selling her work up and down the country it was soon clear that she had something special, a natural flare for producing classic designs with a modern twist.
Using traditional methods of on-glaze painting, which is the trickiest of all, demanding perfection and skill in application.
Emma has been described as "our new Clarice Cliff," by local and National press and has the full blessing and frequent encouragement from descendants of the family.
Now with her own studio at the iconic Middleport pottery heritage site, Emma can allow the public to pop in and browse her collections, order commissions or simply have a chat while watching her demonstrate her art.
Using traditional methods of on-glaze painting, which is the trickiest of all, demanding perfection and skill in application.
Emma has been described as "our new Clarice Cliff," by local and National press and has the full blessing and frequent encouragement from descendants of the family.
Now with her own studio at the iconic Middleport pottery heritage site, Emma can allow the public to pop in and browse her collections, order commissions or simply have a chat while watching her demonstrate her art.
A big thumbs up from Diane.A descendant of Clarice Cliff. |
Encouraging visits visit's From descendants of Clarice Cliff. |
Demonstrating day at the studio for collectors. |
My inspiration.
"Isn't it obvious ?" laughs Emma.
"All my designs have to flow, and the Clarice Cliff style comes perfectly natural to me, I try to keep the shapes clean and relevant for today's lifestyle, whilst keeping the fun and retro style in mind, and of course I like to leave in the brush strokes, keeping them real."
" I want my designs to stand out, but most importantly I want my customer to enjoy them, keeping in mind that each piece has been decorated by hand by myself, in a traditional method which is rarely used these days, making their purchase a true investment and something they will treasure."
Love and colour is clear in her vibrant work, along with the integrity of a true artist whose intention is to create unique hand crafted pieces.
"All my designs have to flow, and the Clarice Cliff style comes perfectly natural to me, I try to keep the shapes clean and relevant for today's lifestyle, whilst keeping the fun and retro style in mind, and of course I like to leave in the brush strokes, keeping them real."
" I want my designs to stand out, but most importantly I want my customer to enjoy them, keeping in mind that each piece has been decorated by hand by myself, in a traditional method which is rarely used these days, making their purchase a true investment and something they will treasure."
Love and colour is clear in her vibrant work, along with the integrity of a true artist whose intention is to create unique hand crafted pieces.
Emma was voted 1 of 12 inspirational and influential women across Staffordshire by Staffs Live.
Emma Bridgewater and Emma BaileyThese two Emma’s are flying the cultural flag for The Potteries as they continue the legacy of the ceramics industry that Stoke-on-Trent is proudly known for. The Emma Bridgewater Factory is on Lichfield Street, Hanley, with Emma Bailey’s studio located in Middleport Pottery. Bridgewater has painted mugs for the Royal weddings and babies, as well as the Royal British Legion and the centenary of the women’s vote. Bailey has been hand painting mugs for other big names, such as the cast of Celebrity Juice and America’s Next Top Model. The women are continuing Staffordshire’s long-held heritage and making us all proud.
Very proud to be shortlisted to the last three finalists of the BBC Radio Stoke make a difference awards 2019.
