Tante Emma

Emma Bridgewater pottery is instantly recognizable, with its Polka Dot china pattern seen in many kitchens. His Black Toast patterns, hand-drawn text on a cream earthenware, designed by her husband, Matthew Rice, is a design classic and often copied. Emma first came onto the scene with spongeware design in 1980 and they are still very popular.
Emma's initial interest in china and used to buy small pieces in the local market. Looking for a birthday gift for his mother and wanted to buy a cup and saucer, Emma could not find anything like them and realize that there is a gap in the market for contemporary china. He launched his first collection in 1985, various patterns of sponge hands on a number of pieces of china. Emma was originally set up by Alex Dufort Spongeware Brixton, where he studied all aspects of pottery production. As demand grows, he realizes that he will have to find a factory that will produce china for her design.
One of the first piece, a half-pint mug, inspired by 18th-century creamware, still popular today. The china pots are made in Stoke on Trent and then decorated by Emma, ​​using the old method of applying motifs with a natural sponge. He initially tried to sell the pieces in Covent Garden market, which is not very successful, and then an antique dealer suggested that she should try a trade fair.

Early Bridgewater including sleeveless cut, a classic flower, Coral, a traditional all-over pattern, Fish and Horny, dots, quail and livestock, birds and animals circle a row of wear between the smooth, green band. Emma Bridgewater china sell very well at auction.
Emma immediately commissioned to make special orders for stores like Harvey Nichols and General Trading Company. Royal Academy and the National Trust also sold exclusive patterns. Home magazines are excited to use her china set their room and its popularity soared.
In 1987 she designed the most popular pattern, Figure, sponges in purple and green and said to be inspired by a tree in the walled garden in Norfolk. In 1990 she opened a flagship store in Fulham, West London. While this is a business center, pottery made in a large Victorian factory in Stoke on Trent, which he obtained in 1996.
Black Toast, originally called Toast and Marmelade, was launched in 1992 and still a best seller. Range changes regularly, which is great for collectors, especially if you can get your hands on some of the first plate that reads Toast and Marmelade.

Chicken fequently appears in its design, apparently due to the fact that her husband Matthew have been raising chickens since he was a child. Birds often features in the design and have been very popular. They made special for the U.S. market-Red and Blue Jay Cardinal and new designs are eagerly awaited.
Today Bridgewater design is a mixture of contemporary, classic and patterns of children and you will find pottery Emma at most department stores, and some souvenir shops. Emma has a very hands on approach and still cut the sponge to the new design and he keeps his ear to the ground and supply what the customer wants it. The image to be reissued by popular demand and the pattern of new dinosaur, Pottersaurus, very popular with children.