BRIDGEWATER VISIT - design studio

today, seeing as its friday i thought it might be a good time to post some pictures from my recent visit to the emma bridgewater factory. i was invited to tour the factory in stoke-on-trent and see the manufacturing process from start to finish. one of the things that makes bridgewater pottery so special is the fact that its still made by hand in the UK. the patterns are sponged on using a traditional technique or the more complicated and intricate designs use a lithography process. im kicking off the tour in the design studio where the studio manager leigh willot showed me around.
above : inspirational archive pieces are displayed in the design studio, below : latest prototypes are laid out for approval.

above : all catalogue product shots are done here in the design studio meaning designs can go from factory to online and on sale quickly. the catalogues beautiful lifestyle shots however are all done at emma's beautiful country home and garden in norfolk. below : new prototype tinware and proposed additions to the hearts range.
above : new packaging is being assessed, below : the designs for new christmas wrapping paper need approving in march !
all pictures copyright print & pattern.