Are you ready to see the Emma Bridgewater Factory? I hope so because here it comes! Visiting her factory here in England is something I’ve been wanting to do for so long! And now, we did . . . Let me sing a happy song . . . and take you places you’ve never been before!
I just had to show you this . . . I love English public bathrooms, they’re all so different and cute, you never know what you’ll get; lots of them have wallpaper, cute old tiles, framed paintings, and pretty paint colors; some of them even have hand cream in them! It’s practically like home! This one, with duck carvings over the door and a chain pull on the toilet, is up a narrow green-painted staircase, on the third crooked floor of a famous old bookstore called Scarthin Books in Cromford, Derbyshire (pron. Darbyshir). Thought you’d like to see it! (Wouldn’t want you to miss anything!)
So there we are (if you squint and look really close) at the far left end of those buildings, see the teeny silver sliver? That’s our car, parked in front of our cottage where the peacock (now named Darcy; had to name something Darcy!) lives called “Weathericks” in Wirksworth where you should all go someday (and say Hi to adorable Jean for us) because it’s heaven there as you can jolly well see! We got in that car, and drove about an hour away to the Emma Factory.
XOXOXO
So, off we go . . . we follow GPS when we go anywhere, and it’s really good; I don’t think it’s ever made a mistake, but it takes us on all the shortcuts no matter how small, harrowing, narrow, and out of the way the road might be. Sometimes we find ourselves climbing teeny weeny remote mountain curves and think, this just can not be bloody right!!! People living on country roads in England are probably standing in their yards shaking their fists at the sky (at the GPS satellites) for bringing fun foreign drivers like us into their neighborhoods. I wouldn’t want to scare anyone, but I can’t help but laugh when I see this (drying my hands on my pants.) When Martha Stewart travels, do you think she screams in the car???? Is this normal? Probably not. I promise you, it’s not always like this. I just like to give you the best of the best!
XOXOXO
For extra relaxation, we break up the driving with bookstores, pubs (pah sida!), antique stores, canal walks and ducks, which more than makes up for dodgy cow-path roads. Checking the bird book we found out the duck-like one with the white bill is a Coot, and those cuties with the huge feet are the baby chick coots.
It’s a little over an hour drive through festive little towns festooned with flags and bunting for the Diamond Jubilee; GPS (England calls it “Sat Nav”) takes us to Stoke-on-Trent, the home city of the Emma Bridgewater Factory — this was the first picture I took as I got out of the car. So excited!
Cute for the factory workers! Stoke-on-Trent was the center of the world when it came to gorgeous dishes; bone china, earthenware, pottery, it was all made here, Johnson Brothers, Wedgewood, Spode, the very finest and most beautiful was made in Stoke.
But it all fell apart (I will never understand why as I still cannot get enough beautiful dishes!); this city, totally built on the dish industry, went into a serious and very sad decline.
The bottom of Emma mugs are as beautifully decorated as the rest of the cup! I fell in love with Emma Bridgewater, her desire to do everything the “right” way, her conserving ways, her attention to detail, when I saw my very first mug. She retires designs after a while, which is the good news and the bad news, they become much more collectible that way . . . so the one you see above is no longer being made. I love this cup, it says “Love & Kisses” on the outside, and “Best Friends ♥” on the inside! How could she discontinue the most perfect gift in the world? I don’t know! I also love that her dishes fit in just fine with my old flea-market-collected sets of dishes. Because really, she makes them the exact same way as my antique dishes were made, and in the exact same spot!
(I love the way the English tell you ↑ they want you to slow down to nothing.) Stoke-on-Trent, with all the empty factories, and talented workers was the perfect place for Emma Bridgewater to put her “pot” business (“pot”=”dishes,” in Stoke-talk). They needed her, and she needed them. So, when all the rest of the world was turning their back on Stoke and the pot business, that’s when Emma began making dishes there; she took over the old Charles Meakin factory, and began to hire. She ran toward the burning building. And she’s young, only in her 40’s now!
I think that Emma’s factory must be a bright spot in Stoke. Prince Charles even visited the factory in 2010! What an honor! And the roses? Of course! They can grow roses right out of pavement in England! Am I happy? Yes, I am.
So off we go on our tour, Joe and me and maybe six or seven others, led by a sweetheart named Jan, there in the spotted apron (they call polka dots “spots” in England). Inside each of those boxes (molds) is thick earthenware creamy pot mix; it’s either a cup, a jug (what they call a pitcher), a bowl, or one of the other shapes they make, the old way, one at a time. I was truly surprised to see how MUCH goes into one little cup!
The factory was decorated for the Jubilee, just like all the rest of England! And this is only one room!
Each piece works its way through the factory, that’s a lot of pot moving! Stopping at each station for the individual treatment it needs before it finally makes its way across the sea to us in our studio, or out to the rest of the world; truly “Handmade in Stoke-on-Trent.”
I loved how they had plenty of jugs and cups for their work!
Custom-made sponge stamps are dipped in paint and put on the mugs one at a time! The sponges are hand-carved too, right there in the factory!
Here’s Jan telling us how they come up with some of the sayings they put on the cups with decals (one at a time – can’t quite get over that!); the yellow is a kind of sealer that burns right off when they fire the pots. Crikey!
Shelves of production go on and on; the rose pattern is hand-painted on the cups. This is how the colors look before they’re fired … which brightens and darkens them considerably.
An English factory always takes time out for tea! Good news is they never have trouble finding a nice cup to have it in! (I’m doing a terrible job of telling you exactly how the pottery is made! This website has a much clearer and detailed explanation of how everything really works at the factory, in case you have more questions, Dad.)
Because I’m not very techie; I’m more interested in the people side of things . . . we could tell how proud everyone was to be working there; proud to be making all this British beauty, proud to be part of such an amazing craftsman tradition; this woman pulled off her glove to show me her Jubilee fingernails! Love it!
I waited until tea time to sneak Petey into the picture!
Oh yes, like all good English establishments, the Emma Bridgewater Factory has its own tea room — also, a gift shop! All my favorite things! And best of all, there was a design studio where visitors can design their own cups!
How wonderful, we wanted something special to bring home to remember this trip by (not that we’ll ever forget!). Our own mugs! Lovely!
So I made an “ENGLAND ♥ 2012” cup, and Joe made a “Queen Mary” cup. Isn’t his ship perfect? He is so talented, my guy!
They give you paint, special pencils to draw with that will burn off during the firing, and they show you how to fix the drawing if you make a mistake! They let you practice and have sponges there for people who want to use them. The color goes on sort of pale, but gets much clearer and brighter once it’s fired. You can choose any shape dish or cup they make and just sit there, draw on it, paint it, and drink tea to your heart’s content. In the end, you’ll have your very own Emma Bridgewater cup! One of a kind! Worth the trip across the Atlantic!! We left them there, they’ll fire them, and ship them home, they’ll be there when we get back! Pretty neat, huh?
Then, of course, we went shopping and absolutely fell in love with this cup celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Yes, we got one, couldn’t help ourselves. Too cute.
AND, we loved it so much, we thought you might fancy one too! Would you? I hope so, and if you do …. just leave a message in “comments” at the bottom of this post (click on the really pale gray letters!), you’ll be entered for a drawing! In a few days, we’ll randomly pull out a name (I hope so much it’s YOURS!!!); we’ll LOVE to send you this memory of our trip to England!
And one last thing before I go . . .
Another bit of a surprise, news from the real world: you know how last year we ran out of our calendars? So this year, we asked to get them early … and guess what, Kellee wrote to tell me they just came in!!! Both the 2013 12 x 12, and the mini calendar! The rest of them will come at the normal time. We are going to try really hard not to run out this year!
OK Girlfriends, that ought to keep you busy for a while. I will give you one last little hint about the next post . . .
This was the sky over Beatrix Potter’s house. . . a dream just came true. ♥ Does that mean an angel got his wings? I think so! Bye for now, xoxo, Girlfriends Forever! Me.
Hi Susan! I’ve been a faithful reader and tweeter, enjoying all your adventures:)
YOUR FAN, (and girlfriend) Jacqui G
So enjoying your trip reports! My grandmother was born in England and I’ve always wanted to visit. It’s on my “list”, but until then, your blog has been the next best thing!
Edie
I lived in England when I was a schoolgirl and the British friends we made were so kind to our family, so all things England-y are dear to my heart. We were invited to tea regularly and I thought it was the most wonderful experience ! I now work in an English Tea Room owned by an English lady and we are all enjoying the Diamond Jubilee festivities. If I am lucky enough to win the darling mug of the flotilla, should I keep it or give to my boss? Oh, dear! Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful trip with us!
I can hardly stand it, I want to be there with you and Joe visiting all the wonderful and quaint places. I was “over” as my friend, Dilly says in 08 and we had tea and cakes at Fanny’s Farm Shop in Surrey. Your pictures and stories have me seriously thinking of another visit. Every morning I choose which EB mug to drink my tea from. Really, I only have two! The robin and tulip, so if I won this I would then have three. I can’t wait to see the book, just know it will be fabulous! Anxiously awaiting the next blog.
Dear Susan…HOW WONDERFUL for you to share your trip and adventures. I have been enjoying it so much during the last crazy, hectic days of the school year ! It reminds me of our trip to England a few years ago and is giving me lots of ideas for our “when we go back” list. As another “dish crazy” person I loved seeing the Emma plant and hope I am a winner…just stopped at the library to pick up a BIG stack of books for the first day of no school summer reading…would love to have that mug keep me company on my porch all summer. How great for you to be there for the celebrations…watching the flotilla on television gave me the chills ! And now you get to see even more neat things…I will be watching Miss Potter and thinking of you and Joe enjoying the real thing. Thanks for sharing your travels…travel safe !
I am green with envy! What a wonderful adventure you have been having. The factory looked like so much fun and Mister Joe is quite the artist! I can’t wait to see Beatrix’s place. Thank you for taking us along with you.
This is thee best way to travel! I’m having so much fun seeing all the sights and I even get to sleep in my own bed at night.
The Emma Bridgewater factory was great fun. Looking forward to the next great adventure.
Susan,
Forgot to ask you – I have coaching scenes dishes made by Johnson Brothers in England, given to me as a wedding gift fom my grandparents. Would they have been made there in that area?
Jan
OH yes!
Ok, seriously–I loved the tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory–inside and out. I have bought several mugs from you and love them, love the design, the flowers, the feel of them in my hand when I use them for tea or coffee. The tour reminded me of the tour we went on in the Red Wing factory in Red Wing, Minnesota, where the old crocks used for making pickles and saukerkrat were made as well as dishes during the 50’s and 60’s. Yes, how sad for the demise of wonderful dishes. Did it happen because of the advent of plastic and also because a lot of the dish factories moved their stuff to China because they could pay lower wages, etc.? Was it partly because of the war, also? Yikes for the narrow roads! Whew, I’d be shrieking all the time–that or peeking between fingers over my eyes!!! Be careful!!! Again, I’m glad you are driving a safe car! The countryside is so beautiful and your blogs are so interesting. Maybe you and Joe should do a travel show–yes, move over Rick Reeves!!! Looking forward to seeing B. Potter’s home. Yes, she accomplished so much in her lifetime both by her art and books but the on-going gift of the land preservation…
Oh dear, I think I got the name wrong–“Rick Reeves”, “Rick Steves”, –you know who I mean!
(my apologies to him for my mental burp…)
It’s ok Pat we knew who you meant!!! Hope your bout with Shingles is getting better, I’m thinking about you and wishing you blessings!!!!
i live in michigan but am loving the trip to england with you…love emma bridgewater!!! and beatrix potter!!
Just last night watched the Queens Jubilee Concert, thanks for getting an extra Emma cup for “us.” Joe is quite the artist, love the ship on his cup. We are really enjoying “our trip to England” and thanks for taking time out to keep us up to date when I’m sure more tempting pursuits are calling.
i live in michigan but am loving england…love emma bridgewater and beatrix potter!!
Joy and happiness exudes from this post.
I love your outfit too, very British-like.
Drove through Ireland on roads like that, an adventure for sure.
I just got a copy of The Summer Book and have been enjoying reading through it. I’m deciding what to make first.
See you at Hill Top!
Cheerio from Riverside, Ca
Ohhhh!!!! How much fun was that!!! I need one of those mugs! Really, I need one of all of them ( yes, one is never enough). And, painting your own mugs, how perfect! You are missing some lovely weather here in the USA, at least in the upper midwest. Has anyone ever been to the Homer Laughlin China factory in West Virginia? (between Ohio & Penn.) It is amazing, the tour is really fun, plus there is a 2nd’s room and a show room to buy 1st’s. There is also a museum with examples of old Fiestaware, Harlequin, & other great pieces they made. (great place for the Fiesta collector~~like me!) There are also cute old towns & antique shops in West Virginia. I might need another trip there soon.
I L O V E Emma Bridgewater (and her creative husband as well) and would be thrilled to win her mug! Watched the whole thing on BBC America! Put my mane in the drawing and I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed!!
Everyone must be waiting at their computers for your post because it’s only been 2 hours since it was posted and there are already 108 comments moderated and posted!
Anyway, just wanted to say how delightfully wonderful to make your own souvenir cup!
ooops! I mean NAME, not mane! Ha!
I am enjoying your trip! I find myself checking your blog every day to check in! Ahh, so inviting!
I love seeing your mug on your blog- I’d love a mug for myself! Thank you for sharing your fantastic journey!
What a wonderful trip you have taken us all on. I cant wait till each post, I feel like I’m there myself. Look out England you’ll be seeing a lot of us real soon. If I win the mug it would be jolly good! Thanks for all the work and love you put into this blog, I love it.
This post just MADE MY DAY!!!
I dream of going there one day…
Oh, what fun to have a drawing for the Flotilla mug!! How wonderful!
I will keep my fingers crossed that my name is chosen, but Yippee!!!! to the winner, whoever he/she is!!!
(Susan…it is the DIAMOND JUBILEE…not the silver….)
:o)
I loved reading this post! And I so look forward to the next one.
what a dream trip.
jennifer
I loved the tour today. The mugs are delightful. Can’t wait for the next post…have you seen Peter Rabbit lurking anywhere?
Balisha
How wonderful!!! The lanes you drive thru and the houses – exactly how I always picture England!! OH!! I love it soooo much!!
I also love how little English phrases are creeping into your blogs (“as you can jolly well see”; “…this just can not be bloody right!!!) Those really make me laugh!! Awesome!! Love the video of the ducks, too!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Oh, and was it a fab Strawberry Moon night for you??!! Hope you are able to add some full moon pics from the ship and England to your full moon portfolio!!!
Dear Susan,
Visiting the Emma factory is definitely on my bucket list for my next visit! Thank you for giving us the chance at winning this gorgeous Diamond Jubilee mug! I watched the flotilla on BBCAmerica on Sunday. Not quite the same as being there as you are to experience the party atmosphere! Jolly Good!!!
I wish our establishments all had tea rooms, sigh. Loved the Emma Bridgewater tour – thank you!
I ordered a “Golden Jubilee” Emma Bridgewater mug and it came today – so what a joy to look on your blog and find the factory tour!! I have been obsessed with watching the Jubilee coverage on TV – I’m sad it’s over. It must have been so exciting to be in England for this special event. Martha
“Hi” to Pat Mofjeld !!!
Been thinking of You and hoping that your “bug bites” are not bothering you
too much. Crazy huh ? If you need anything….we live in the same state ….
so just ask, okay ? Your knitting sounds beautiful….I’m not sure if I could
make those things….I went to a knitting group and realized that I am more of
a social knitter. Earlier….I said we live in the same state…..I forgot ……we
live in the same suitcase !!!! Take Care & hope that you are feeling better !!!
I am enjoying you
sharing your trip with us so much. Emma Bridgewater is my favorite. Love these mugs! Can’t wait to see your next post. Enjoy!
So glad you’re having so much fun, the Emma Bridgwater factory certainly looks as though it’s worth a visit. Might try and persuade hubby to take me there
At last, a blog from you Susan. Not complaining, just thankful that you write to us while on your wonderful trip. I know it takes time out of your own personal journey. You had asked if we Americans received any Jubilee TV coverage. The answer is quite definitely. Enjoyed the Thames Floatilla, plus the entertainment night in front of the palace. Just beautiful. Very inspiring, the patriotism of the English. All of the enormous crowds without any riots. Lovely. Your blog on Emma Bridgewater is most educational. Knew china such as Spode was made in England, but didn’t know exactly where in England. Like you, I’m wondering why the decline in such beautiful ware. Anxiously awaiting your next blog. I laughed at you driving around a curve with another car coming at you. My husband reminded me that the country roads in England are very narrow & you have to concentrate on driving on the correct side of the road. Lucky you, remembering your “place” on the road. Did you scare Joe? Safe journey. Sondra
Oh! I haven’t had a trip ‘home’ since ’95. So lovely seeing your pictures and squeals through the videos! Seeing your tour around the Emma B. plant reminds me of a Wedgwood factory tour done after our post-wedding trip in ’84. So fascinating. (and yes, we shipped some ‘pots’ home)
Wow – LOVE the mugs you’ve painted, and the Jubilee mug too!! All those lovely boats….
It looks like you’re having the BEST time ever, you LUCKY girl! I’d LOVE to visit the Emma Bridgewater factory — what a fun time. And, the perfect time to be visiting England!
This trip is so much fun I am loving every part of it. I loved the Dead Slow sign. How special to be able to decorate your own mugs for a memory of your trip.
I enjoy your website and blog immensely! I love the same things you do. I will pray you draw my name. I just purchased some of Emma’s pottery from you. The heart sampler mug, the heart plate and heart pitcher. Love it, love it, love it. Thanks for being who you are. Blessings! Rose
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip! I always look forward to a new posting. Your website is beautiful. :}
Oh, this is so much fun! Thank for for taking the time to share with us!
I love that little mug but if I were lucky enough to win, I would send it to my friend Gay who is gaga over the Royals.
What fun you are having! I couldn’t wait until you visited Emma’s place! I love all my Emma mugs and would dearly love another … especially one celebrating THE Queen’s Jubilee! Thank you for the chance!
This trip has been so much fun! Just seeing those wild bluebells alone was worth the price of admission…but there is so much else, too. Can’t wait to see Hill Top Farm! Thank you so much for taking time out of your trip to share with us, Susan. You are so very generous in blessing us so.
Of course I meant to say “Diamond Jubilee” …..oops.
Thank you for the delightful tour of the factory! I would love to win a cup!!
PS – More pix of sheep please!!
Susan,
I’m loving living vicariously through you and can’t wait for your newest posts! I have only two Emma Bridgewater mugs, both purchased on the Vineyard (we have a time share at the Harborside Inn), and would love to add this one to my ‘collection’! Thank you so much for your frequent doses of cleverness, cuteness, “girlfriendiness”, “homeyness” and joie de vivre in general!! Hugs from Kensington!! XXOO
Thank you for taking me to England with you. It’s been so much fun!! I loved the sheep and the little golfer – too cute! Emma’s Pottery is so beautiful. I like how Petey sneaks into some of your pictures – his face is rather frightening but he is growing on me. Enjoy the rest of “our” trip!!
It makes all the difference when you figure out he means well
I LOVE Petey!!!
I actually think he looks less menacing in that photo–must be all the cakes!
what a wonderful time to be visiting England. I’d love a moment of the Jubilee.
Susan,
You and Joe are so generous to share your trip with your “girlfriends”. I am truly enjoying it and have told my “girlfriends” to check out your blog. I have been a fan for many years. Thanks so much for bringing us all along.
Susan,
I am so enjoying every moment of your trip! Your vivid descriptions and photos do make me feel as if I am truly there.
We love Emma Bridgewater products in our house. We also love the tins her husband, Matthew Rice, designs. I used one of the cake tins yesterday to store a Victoria Sponge cake which I baked in honor of the Queen.
The mug depicting the Flotilla down the Thames for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is darling. My English husband and I watched the festivities over the long weekend. He commented that it all made him very proud to be British. I can certainly see why!
Cheers for now!
You are a temptress! I’m telling you your posts make my day. Today there wasn’t one early this morning (in California) but when I clicked now at 3:00 PM – here you are! I love England also and it has been over 20 years since I was there. All of your little flats and cottages are really getting me thinking! Can’t wait for the next installment!
Love,
Sue
OH!! this was my absolute favorite of the entries for your trip to England!!! I loved the little ducks, and your video of the car ride! Then Emma’s factory….loved the polka dot ribbon in that girl’s hair!! and then YOUR own fabulous mug with the ocean liner on it!!!! the BEST! and the rose pattern on the mugs – just tooooooo beautiful. My mother had Johnson Brothers dishes (The Friendly Village) and we used them every day. She also had a smaller collection of Blue Willow Johnson Bros for when the “girls” came over and she used her Blue Willow Johnson Bros teapot (which I have!!) I am so glad to share your dream trip with you! I bet that Emma wanted to keep you for a cup designer after she saw your Queen Mary cup!!
Thank you for thinking of us with the mug drawing. Each post is better than the last one. Also, I looked for a bluebell EB mug on your site the other day and didn’t see one. If they were there, did they sell out? ♥
I so love to take any type of factory tours when I travel. What fun to see things made from their most elemental parts. It might be from watching Mr. Rogers take us on adventures to places like the crayon factory on his show. Enjoy your travels!
I enjoyed the tour of the factory. Thank you for sharing. The quality of Emma Bridgewater mugs is just wonderful. I’ve enjoyed every post and feel like I’m traveling with you. Drive carefully! Looking forward to Beatrix Potter.
Your postings from your trip are fabulous! I can hardly wait to see your comments and pictures from Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top. I’m certain after I see your post I will want to re-read each of The Cottage Tales by Susan Wittig Albert. That way I’ll be able to visualize the settings in the stories as they really are. Thank you for taking us along on this journey.
Omg, omg, omg…Susan!!! When you walked in to Emma’s factory and saw all of those shapes and patterns and designs and colors and spots and English roses and union jacks you love did you feel like you had heart palpitations???? So overwhelming to be surrounded by so much creativity and inspiration and dreams. I would LOVE to have anything with that ocean liner on it created by…ahem, “Joe”…..to go along with the Sabrina champagne glasses and bird bobeche candlesticks!! Thank you for sharing your joy…you have such a loving spirit. Xoxoxo
P.s…about the screaming…you forgot…you ARE the normal one…..
P.p.s..dead slow..lol!
P.p.p.s….BEATRIX
I have enjoyed every post you have made during this trip. Makes me want to travel to England and Scotland and Ireland just to enjoy the country side. The mugs you created are wonderful, such memories they will carry. I would love to have the Emma mug, thank you for the chance to possibly win it. I look forward to your future post of your adventure in Merry Old England. Enjoy!!!
Thanks for the delightful tour of Emma Bridgewater! (and everything else!) I would love to win that beautiful mug! What a treasure…..watched as much of the floatila on TV as the US telly would show! An English friend ( 87 year old, Lady Joyce….I add the “Lady” part which always tickles her) sent me a paper mask of the queen and I’ve been wearing it whenever someone comes to call. Can’t wait to hear and see your visit at Hilltop farm.
Lol!!!!
Dear Susan,
I am enjoying our trip to England so very much! You are going to all the places that I would choose! We are so smart!
Please keep having and loving your adventures – the excitement comes through!
Cheerio!
I am loving your posts — the photos, music, and reading your perspective on England — thank you! And I’m taking careful notes as I plan my dream vacation
Gotta love a tour of any factory. I love seeing how things are created. Thanks so much, Susan for taking us all! Any others on the itinerary?
Susan-
You are taking the trip in England I had hoped to do this year, but didn’t make it. Thanks for taking us all along. I have really been enjoying your posts. Although I’ve been to England, there is so much to see, that one has to go several times (or stay longer like you and Joe are).
I even went to Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop home, but once is definitely not enough, so hope to be able to see it again. Looking forward to your post from there. You will love it! It was delightful!!
Thank you for a chance to win the cup from Emma’s. I have put the Emma B. factory on my “to see” list! So glad you and Joe are having a wonderful time!
Christine
Oh and BTW, are you going to Jane Austen’s home on your way back (or maybe you’ve been there before)? It is on my “to see” list also.
I am so excited and so glad you brought me on this trip! This is so much fun. I must get a mug but how to decide which one! Can’t wait for the next post.
Norma from Texas
Emma Bridgewater factory!! You lucky dog! (Although I’m sure hard work, not luck got you there.l)
I’m sure a little bit of both! xo
Who knew Joe was such a lovely painter? His mug is terrific! Aren’t you two a bit piggish with all that talent in one household? Our 7 year old granddaughter, Jeanna, painted mugs for Papa and me for Christmas. They are wonderful! Drinking from a cup always filled with love is the best! Would love to win the Emma mug to pass along to a dear friend who, like you, feels she belongs in England. Your “trying on” phase of preparation for the trip sure paid off ’cause you look so darn cute, especially with that I-am-loving-every-minute smile on your face. So happy for you to be having this terrific trip! As always, DonnaRay
Be still my beating heart…the Emma Bridgewater factory….just the thought that I might possibly, just maybe, be able to win one of her mugs….eyes shut tight and fingers crossed….
hi susan…I LOVED the trip through Emma…and I dearly love my “GRANNY” mug from there….but the highlight was the mugs that you and joe made…that is about as special as it gets…what a bumch of totally terrific people there…my daughters loved their “MUMS” Day gift from me…(Emma MUM mugs) and will continue to collect..maybe i’ll get there someday….’til then…i’ll live vicariously through you..thank you thank you THANK YOU susan!!! I can remember when you first mentioned that you all would be stopping at Emma and I was thinking..”oh..that’s a long way off”..but some how..in the blink of an eye you and i were there….love it!! happy trails!!! love, cindy
ps…didn’t you just love those fingernails????……happy jubilee!!!!
pps…you look adorable in the photos…very British!!! xo
Sublime, wonderful, amazing, glorious…. can’t say enough how much I enjoy this blog and your trip. Thanks for taking us along, love the ducks, love the sign, love the factory, what fun to paint your own souvenir mug!, oh wow, OK, LOVE EVERYTHING, and the jubilee mug, well, maybe it has my name on it!!
Thank you for sharing your trip. My mother is from England and I was blessed to be able to visit there with her 10 years ago. Your post have me itching to go back. I can’t wait to see your visit to Beatrix Potter’s farm. One of my favorite pictures from our trip is me standing in Mr. MacGregor’s garden:) Your GPS video is just what we experienced…luckily we were not driving but it was still a bit scary!
Mucho, many thanks…Miz Susan. What a WONDERFUL blog today…as always…but extra special. I love the EMMA factory and just knowing where they come from and how they are made. Thank you. Well…today was the day…I have been looking high and low for several months now for my GIRLFRIENDS book…every nook and cranny…no luck…and I don’t remember loaning it to anyone. SO ordered another one off-line at Amazon. As soon as it arrives, I’m sure it will magically appear. If that’s what it takes – that is okay. I have plenty of girlfriends who would love to have a copy!
It sounds like you are having such a wonderful trip! Don’t mean to be a know-it-all, but it’s the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, not the Silver! Everything you have seen and described sound like something right out of a fairy tale to me.
I too will have to fetch me a mug even if I don’t win this one. Very cool indeed!
I agree with Gin, it would be really wonderful to be able to have a Susan Branch designed Emma mug that all the rest of us who travelled along with you could purchase from your website. Anyone else like that idea? I’ve been to England 3 times and would love to go again. It’s like being in fairytale land. One of the most beautiful places I’ve been. Thank you Susan for taking us with you.
I am enjoying your England blogs so much. I never thought about visiting there but I am changing my mind about that. Loved the factory tour.
I couldn’t agree with you more about not being able to get enough beautiful dishes. While reading this, I kept having the urge to hit a button called “love.” Every photo, every video. Love it all. Then I get to the end and find out you’re offering us a mug. Wow! Sign me up. Please. (pick me, pick me–ok, or one of the other excited girlfriends.)
I’ve been reading every post from England, but haven’t posted because it seems like I just don’t have words enough to say anything more than “Wow!” I’m really enjoying my trip with you. You’re the best tour guide ever. Thank you seems inadequate, but “thank you…sincerely.”
XOXO
I too am an anglophile and it is wonderful for you to share England with us.
My brother -in-law said in England everywhere you turn is a feast for the eyes. Thank you for the feast!
Ask me, do I love pottery? Will I make hubby break for every pottery shop I see in our travels? You bet I do! I’m just loving the tour you gave us of the emma bridgewater factory. I hope I’m the lucky one this time. I’d love to see that mug on my table every morning holding my tea. Love your outfit, you look so British……..CK
I love this trip to England and blog entries. I recently bought a cosmos mug from your store and use it with a cup of coffee every morning and look at
your blog and clever links to music and video clips. I’m getting so much vicarious
pleasure from seeing everything you post. Also watched the regatta on live stream from the BBC on line on Sunday-just fabulous! I’m such an anglophile!!
Stoke! I’ve finally been to Stoke, birthplace of all my transferware! It was a spectacular tour! And I have even begun to design my mug, I can’t wait…What fun! Can’t wait for BP!
XOXO, Chris
ps…i have a crush on petey…
Thank you Susan for taking us on a tour of the china factory. I have a neighbor that did some
painting at one of the factories before they all closed. Just got done watching footage of the big celebration for the Queen. Would love to win the souvenir mug. You and Joe are the best tour guides any of us could hope for!
Ohhhhhhhhh!!!! I am in love!! I need to go visit England now!!!
England is more beautiful then I could imagine,,so green and lovely,love the tour of the pottery factory and would love to have that mug!! also the rose pattern is to die for,,can you carry it on your web-site?Thanks again
Susan & Joe, what wonderful timing for your trip — during the Queen’s Jubilee. I feel like I’m able to be a part of the festivities, too. I’ve long been a fan of Matthew Rice’s art (Emma’s husband) and all things Emma Bridgewater. So I enjoyed your tour of the factory. Thank you so much for taking time out from your trip to write, photograph and record your truly amazing journey. I plan to buy a copy of your England book for myself and all of my girlfriends, too! Can’t wait! xxx. . .
Me too, huge fan of Matthew Rice, and of his mom, Pat Albeck. They had a little Pat Albeck museum upstairs, but I will have to save that for another time! Too talented of a family for one little post!
Oh Susan you look so cute!! And you look so radiant! (wonder why?….smile) Love the factory tour…I’ve learnt so much..couldn’t believe they are all done by hand! And the cups you & Joe made were so amazing! (Joe did a fantastic job!!…who knew??)
Looks like you are just having a great time…so much to see…so much to do!! We are also enjoying every minute of it!!
Blessings,
Gert
This post is such a wonderful way to wind down my day!! Can you believe that just one month ago you were watching the May “super moon” from the Queen Mary 2–and you are already a little more than half way through your English adventure! The time has flown for us, so I can only imagine how it has zipped by for you and Joe. You’ve done a fantastic job as our travel guide and commentator–enjoy, celebrate, and treasure the rest of your time there! Love your outfit–adore your shoes!!
How wonderful to make your own mugs….I bet you could have spent days there….and yummy goodies with tea at every stop….such fun….be careful on those tiny roads…probably originally for horses and cows…not cars, lol….please show us your mugs when you get home…Joe’s is so romantic…”hugs” Mary from Nashville Indiana
I am so enjoying my “travels” with you two! Thank you for the special treats of posts, photos, videos and Emma Bridgewater cups! Bless you!
Lovely!
A(nother!) perfect post!
Everything I thought of saying has been said above (thank you girlfriends!) but just had to post to THANK YOU Susan for including us on your trip AND for offering this great opportunity to win an Emma mug… so, Thank You!!
Looking so very forward to your next post (and the one after that, and the one after that, and ….) AND to the book about your trip!
xoxo!
At last!! I’ve loved everything so far but have really been waiting for your trip to Emma’s!! Have known about the pottery for many years – actually gasped when I saw all the rose pieces!! Plus the ladies jubilee nails an added bonus!!
Can’t wait to see the pieces that you and Joe each designed! They will be small works of art as you’re both ever so talented!!
So happy that you may actually be at Miss Potter’s today!
Wishing you plenty of sunshine!
Cheers for safe journey!
It has been so fun to read your blog and share your trip to England. I so look forward to seeing what’s new. It makes my day!
I look forward to your listings. They so brighten my day. A jolly good day to you and Joe.
Oh how lovely. I want to pack my bags this minute. In my travels I never got to Stoke on Trent but I think that was the time of it’s decline. (I’m with you, can’t figure out why it would decline, with my love of china.) I did travel to the glass factories in Sweden and really thought I had arrived in “heaven”. I get emails from Bridgewater now and I even ordered a catalog but I’m frustrated by the terribly high shipping fees. I found a shop in Vermont which carries some of her patterns but it’s still not cheap to ship. So I’m hoping to win the cup you are offering. Please, please, please!! Thanks again for including us all on your travels. You’re the best, Susan! Kathy in Melbourne, FL
Dear Sue,
You are a true blogger now that you have taken a picture in a public restroom. It is the true test of courage to share these spaces with the world. Congratulations!
I am SO enjoying your trip! I get a little giddy when I see that you have posted. Joe must have the patience of a saint. My hubs would be like, “You are in the heart of England and you are blogging?!” But I love that you do and I am learning a lot along the way! Keep it up and keep having the time of your life!
XO,
Jane From Chicago
OH YAY! That makes my day! I didn’t know it was so easy, I would have done it before! Thank you! (Joe sleeps in so I write most of the blogs before he gets up! Very tricky! :-))
I love England. I’ve been several times but not for many years, and your pix bring back all the wonderful memories of the gorgeous big houses, little cottages with roses climbing by the front door, narrow lanes and backing up, afternoon tea with clotted cream, Cornish new potatoes, fantastic pubs, and all the great people that we met. Thanks for taking me along so that I can see England again.
Oh my, Susan — thank you for such a fun post! Everything they do in England is just darling — the little sign for employees door at the factory, the “dead slow” sign — the bathroom, for goodness sakes! just darling. The driving on the “wrong” side of the street, not so much. Loved your video — I think I would’ve been louder than that! On our last trip over, we rode down the Thames to the Hampton Court Flower Show, so that mug would be Really Special for us
And your 2013 calendars are out — Yippee!!
I really wish it was ME in your suitcase – not Petey.
Loving your trip and sooooo looking forward to seeing Beatrix Potter home – I’m such a fan of hers (and you & Joe too).
Thanks for taking us!
Hay did you see the Waka from New Zealand on the Thames by any chance?
Love Leanne
PS a cuppa is always best in a nice cup/mug
Oh, I am SO enjoying your trip to England (and making notes about where I need to go the next time I am there). My cousin is ready to go again (our grandparents came from England and we have relatives there), possibly next spring. I ordered the Jubilee mug you had from Emma Bridgewater awhile back and have been thoroughly enjoying it, particularly this past week. I need this new one with the ships — they will make a great pair!
I am sooo enjoying our trip “across the pond”. Thankyou so much for taking us along!
Am enjoying your trip….. thoroughly! Thank You so much for taking the time to share it with us all!!!! Continued Happy Travels…..
Winning the mug would be the best memory possible of “our” trip!
Oh Susan,
This was the one we have been waiting for! What an amazing day. I love how you explained the pride of everyone working there. I didn’t realize how much work went into each item. Thank you. I’m having a wonderful time tagging along.
Wow…did Joe really paint his mug??? He is terrific, cant wait to see them fired!
I am wishing for a win on that lovely jubilee mug just so I could “touch” a piece of this with you guys to always remember the blessing your trip to England was for me.
Loved the post… so looking forward to life with Beatrix.
thx…xoxo Sweet Pea