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.
What a treat to go to Emma’s factory with you! I can’t wait for Beatrice Potter’s house and all the rest. Your blog makes it so real….just like being there….I love it. On another note I am so worried about how Jack and Girl Kitty
are doing. I know they are in good care but I would miss them terribly. Do you skype and talk to them? Sure miss pictures of them but know you are having the time of your life in England. Thanks for taking us along with you!
Enjoyed this so much. Those potteries flourished because they had everything you need for the production at hand, water and clay and most importantly coal to burn the kilns. Can you imagine the billowing of smoke back in the day when there were about 200 different potteries? The most exalted position was a painter. So you and Joe would be hired on the spot!
xx
julie
Love the mugs you and Joe made. Were the people at the factory just as excited to meet the “famous Susan Branch”? I bet they were impressed with your designs!
I agree with Kathryn! As lovely as the Emma Bridgewater mugs are, yours and Joe’s are my favorites!!!
Hey Susan and Joe….so good to hear from you…’ being a wheel- throwing potter myself, I found this post interesting…I throw stoneware and porcelain…is that a porcelain clay body you painted on ?…probably so…what fun!!!!!!…I love to work with clay…P.S…..earlier today I ordered your 2013 calendar…so excited !!! love the photo of the clouds …and can hardly wait to see your post on Hill Top !!!…thank you sooooo much…with love
Susan,
Thank You so Much for taking us all on your wonderful adventure with you and Joe. It has been a grand few weeks traveling with you and seeing the country with the both of you. I really love seeing all of the animals and everything else.
Have a Safe trip back.
How wonderful! Makes me want to plan a trip to England and recreate your days there. Wish me luck for the charming cup.
Sue! What a great tour! What a wonderful, happy place! Charming and warm! Your mugs are wonderful, of course….what keepsakes they are! I treasure the few I have…still have my fingers crossed for a autumn themed one from Susan Branch!!! (ha ha…jk…sort of…!). Enjoy your trip ~ it has been so fun to travel ‘with’ you and Joe. xoxoxo peg
This trip is so dreamy….even when a surprise vechicle comes around a corner! What an adventure. Thank you.
xoxo Pam
Oh, Susan (and Joe), This past weekend’s Jubilee activities have been so special! I can only imagine how much more being ‘in country” would multiply the joy. I loved the visit to Emma Bridgewater factory. Would love to be considered for the Thames Flotilla mug, and would buy replicas of the mug Joe painted of the ship. Hope you are going to be offering those mugs on your site (in case I don’t win the drawing). Can’t wait for you to get to Beatrix Potter country. Are you going to Edgemere? Wordsworth lived there and is buried there, along with Dorothy. Lovely little town and well worth the visit. Hope you have time to stop by there. Keep the wonderful missives coming…I want a copy of the trip diary when it becomes available. (and a copy of the calendar). Love to you both.
xoxoxo Sherry K
Whew! I was clutching the edge of my seat on that turn! (and I can hardly wait till my husband comes home to show him the video, mainly because he swears that he’s never heard anyone outside of my immediate family use the term, ‘criminettly.’ Not sure if that’s how it’s spelled – though I’ve heard it all my life – from family members — I’ve never seen it written, lol. Maybe it’s a California thing?).
Anyway, love that you can make your own cup at Emma Bridgewater. You and Joe should both have your own line of EB cups (love that ship!). Thanks for such a fun tour (and opportunity!). I can hardly wait for the next installment, though. Beatrix Potter’s house! I could almost swear I can see some of her little characters in those clouds (Tabitha Twitchett on the upper right, with one of Peter’s sisters – Flopsy? Mopsy? — looking up at her, from below – and that looks like Benjamin Bunny losing his tam o’shanter over on the upper left. But maybe that’s just me…).
Good luck with that Sat Nav gizmo. Take care!
I just L.O.V.E. (the name of my victorian ladies club) everything that you have been writing about the ENGLISH trip, pictures, videos, etc. The factory has been an extra plus. To see how the dishes are made, I also love dishes. The flotilla mug just gave me a big excitement in my heart. I’m writing here from Hawaii and watched every minute of the QUEEN’S jubilee. As I have been watching on tv, I have been thinking of you and Joe being across the pond and will always have wonderful memories of being there during the “J”. A very big Mahalo (thank you) and I love everything about your website and your cookbooks, I have them all. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
I’ve been waiting for this one! Loved seeing how the Bridgewater pottery is made. Even saw my “60 years a queen” mug that I purchased at 162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/. I am a dish lover, too, and it makes me sad that all those other factories shut down. I have two sets of Johnson Bros dishes. One last thing–love how the English people are so into the Queen’s Jubilee. We could use a little of that over here right about now.
It’s the best most positive thing I’ve seen in a very long time!!! Such a celebration of life and hope.
I really look forward to reading your blog daily…what fun you must be having. What a dream come true! Would love to own a wonderful mug.
Continue having a great time on your journey!
Thank you for another fabulous post – the Emma factory is so interesting.
Love that you could design your own mugs – grand souvenir. Loved the
Diamond Jubilee. Such fun this whole trip is.
Hello, Susan! My daughter and I are travelling through England right along with you! (Vicariously, of course 🙂 We’ve loved every winding road, cottage, farm, sheep-filled pasture, and mossy path you’ve shared with us. Thank you for this opportunity to collect the Diamond Jubilee mug, too, and the wonderful factory tour. We dream of owning many more Emma B. pieces, and of touring all about the UK one fine day, as well. Happy days ahead to you, as we await your next post! Xs and Os, Melanie and Emily
A cuppa tea in an Emma mug would be divine! Doesn’t hurt that my birthday is June 13 too! Hee hee
I would love to have the Emma Bridgewater Mug!!!
I am so enjoying our trip around England. Can’t wait to see Beatrice Potter’s home!! Thanks Susan!!
Pick me! Pick me!
Thanks for taking me along!
Susan, you are a wonder to share your trip with us! I’m glad you’re all having such a fantastic time. I love Emma B.’s mugs and the lambs were wonderful. Can’t wait for Beatrix!
What fun to see where the Emma Bridgewater pottery is made! I’m sending this post on to friends I’ve gifted EB mugs to ~ And … Can’t wait to see your Miss Potter postings! Cheerio!
PS – I’m also sending the blog link along to our cousin Sandy, who lives in Durham County ~ I know he’ll enjoy it, too!
I’m dreaming of an electronic book version of Sue and Joe’s trip to England. One that will include every video, picture, link, sound and word ou’ve shared. These blogs are beyond travelog! It took me an hour to read this one because I stopped to click on all the links and from there all the links to youtube, etc. that the link included. The Scarthin Book Shop was a vacation in itself! And then onto Stoke-on-Trent, where I’m sure Emma would love to use your designs, was a delight. You MUST know how wonderfully happy you are making us. Thanks for letting me be one of your “girlfriends.” Picture me as happy as puppy with a mile a minute tail!
Thank you for spreading so much joy into our hearts and letting us follow you on this journey.
You’re right about the haircut; it’s adorable. And the fields of bluebells were gorgeous. Loved Emma and can’t wait for Beatrix Potter. Such fun!
I have several of her Toast pieces and love, love, love them – definitely a stop in order next trip!! Wasn’t the Thames Flotilla wonderful? Keep on having adventures everywhere!!
Thanks for the tour! I’m so impressed at the neatness and even spacing on your mugs! They’re both beautiful. Tea will be extra good in them. Sorry to hear that the other factories have shut down. Several blue and white platters came home with us from there wrapped in dirty clothes. Went a little nuts in that town.
Susan, you are taking the trip of my dreams! How I envy you and Joe and I’m so delighted to be “travelling” with you both via your blog!
Cheers, my dears!
Oh my goodness, what an awesome place to visit! I have been waiting for the Beatrix Potter tour, but this was a really great surprise. Yet another place I will have to visit…someday! I laugh out loud at each Petey shot….so love the sense of humor! Glad you guys are having fun at this truly once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Petey is certainly making his way around England as well. By chance was there a tiny teacup at Emma’s factory that you could have picked up for him to bring home?
Now I am aware of the area in England that Wedgewood and Minton china came from. Those old Minton pieces are exquisite. Be careful driving, and stay to the left!
I am so enjoying your (our) trip!. England has always been my dream-place to visit. Thanks to you, I almost fell as if I’ve been there.
What a post this was! I had my eyes right up to the computer screen checking things out. I wanted to know more about Emma Bridgewater pottery, so this was amazing. You know, my grandmother’s grandparents from Scotland owned a (what they called) a pottery business. We actually think it was a fine china business. My grandfather told me that they had relocated the “pottery business” to America. He also said that he thought they did very well and that they had shares in the Pittsburg steel mines. So that leads me to believe that perhaps they settled in that area of the US. This information is on my to do list. Now I know where I get some of my love for dishes/china etc. (which is through the roof btw, I drool over your collection). So you have just held me spellbound reading this post, part of a dream come true. I just know those wings are growing! Thank you Susan! xo
I loved your cups!!! Too bad we can’t buy them, I like both yours and Joe’s. You could work for Emma your both so good! Ha!
Susan thanks so much for the tour, I had been checking back for days and was so anxious to see where you would be next. I love the mugs, I have a dear friend who is retiring from teaching and I am going to order her the cockerspaniel mug, after you showed the website, I love the jubilee mug, and would love to say “bottoms up” with a cup of tea, safe travels, can’t wait to see where your adventures takes you next! Kathy in CT
What a very generous gift to offer! Thanks for taking us along, it’s been such fun traveling with you. 🙂 April
What a marvelous tour! Thanks for the chance to win the Jubilee mug, I would dearly love to win it!
Your trip to England has been wonderful reading! We spent four years in Suffolk in the early 80’s and going back, through your postings has been fun. Enjoy the rest of the journey and continue sharing, please!
I loved this blog post. I have the old (early 2000s) E.B. rose pattern tea pot. I saw cups and bowls in your photos that would match my uncompleted set! How lovely to go visit the factory AND get to design your own things! Beautiful post that made me so happy! Thank you!
I finally snatched some time to sit apart from the day’s demands and soak up some of your England! Thanks for letting the girlies know on Twitter you had a new post!!! I would <3 L <3 O <3 V <3 E <3 the Emma mug!!! I can still see those ships in my mind. What a glorious day that was watching the celebration.
I can't imagine the flipflops in your stomach when you finally pulled into the parking lot!!! Such fun, such JOY, such surprises… Dreams come true. 🙂
Looking at the cover of your 2013 calendar I had to fight back the tears welling up in my eyes as I read. "The ordinary arts we practie every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." <3 Thomas Moore How often those "arts" become lost when life backs up on us. They pile up and soon become wearying laborious chores. Ah… but all is not lost. The soul shines through us to those we share our "arts" with. My <3 so needed to hear that today…
Keep enjoying your journey girlfriend! Thanks for sharing your "art". Our souls are refreshed!
Georgie from NJ
It is so wonderful traveling with you and Joe. Can’t wait for Beatrix and Benjamin Bunny. thx for sharing!
What an amazing place “Emma Bridgewater” must be! Nice job of walking all of us through it! When the Jubilee cup began to come into view, I thought that would make a fantastic give-away! – and you did it!! Hope the luck of the Irish, er…British, is with me!!
Loved the tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory. Don’t you have to pinch yourself all the time to remind you that this is all so REAL for you? I hope you are taking in each moment and telling yourself, “I can’t believe I’m here.” That’s how I felt when we visited Europe and walked the streets of Venice. So looking forward to your next blog! Thanks SOOO much for sharing. By the way, it is so nice to see that Joe enjoys seeing all these things too.
You’re my daily dose of joy. Thank you for taking the time to share your trip to England (and your life). I’ve always wanted to go and now more than ever. No matter how hard life can be, I always walk away with a smile after reading your blog. 🙂
Incredible post! So enjoyed the trip through the Emma Bridgewater factory with you and Joe, felt like I was there. Since I haven’t been home to England (my parents live in the tiny village of Wick in The Cotswolds) for 40 years I would sure love to win the Jubilee mug! I’m so homesick!! Looking forward to hearing about Beatrix Potter’s house next, my favorite story of hers was when Tom Kitten was rolled up in the pastry by the rats!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for taking us with you on your English Tour. The Emma Bridgewater factory was fabulous!!! Since everything is hand made, that explains the higher, and well worth it, price. Several years ago, when I visited your Arroyo Grande shop, I purchased a Robin and Barn Swallow mug as Mother’s Day gifts for my mom and mother-in-law. I wish I had thought to get one for myself!
So glad you are having such a wonderful time!
what a wonderful adventure….and how on earth did you get the writing inside your cup so neat and tidy….awesome job!
p.s. loved the restroom pics…so nice to see the back pages of this story….thanks :0)
blessings,
Cindy♥
thanks for the trip and all of the pics!! i would love a mug ‘specially after watching the flotilla on TV. i can’t wait for beatrix potter! mb
Emma Bridgewater. . . one of my favorite British things! How delightful that you and Joe got to make your own Emma Bridgewater! It has been so great to follow you on your trip. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Dear Susan: I am thoroughly enjoying your trip. I do feel as if I’ve come along for the journey. You and Joe are both so talented! I know you will continue to enjoy your trip.
Yours truly,
Kathy
I was on the Emma Bridgewater tour last October.
They are the NICEST people.
Susan, thanks for giving us a glimpse of your wonderful, wonderful trip! I have an Emma Bridgewater Black Toast mug that I bought through your site, and I would have a whole collection if I could. Seeing your handmade creations was a treat – Emma Bridgewater meets Susan Branch (and Joe)! Bliss! You spread beauty whenever you pick up a pen, brush, or your computer. Thanks ever so much for all you do.
I screamed too when you met the vehicle! Loved the Emma B. factory and looking forward to visiting Beatrix’s farm.
Hi! Thank you for sharing the Emma Bridgewater factory! I would love having the mug. So glad you are having a great time! Enjoy, my dear friend. P.s LOVE the dead slow sign LOL!
Wow! I think you and Joe could get a job painting cups for Emma! Your cups were beautiful, I can barely draw a straight line myself and so appreciate anyone with artistic talent. Sounds like you are having the time of your life!
I love yours and Joe’s mugs- those are cool. You also managed to totally sell me on Emma Bridgwater’s stuff LOL
It looks like a great place to visit 🙂
Dear Susan & Joe, I can’t thank you enough for letting us tag along on your amazing trip to England. I am loving every minute of it! Love your special cups you and Joe created at the Emma Bridgewater factory and would love to have the Jubilee mug as my souvenir of this amazing trip. Cheers, Natalie
Thanks for the tour of the Emma Bridgewater Factory!! I loved it!! So homey and cozy for a factory, how wonderful!! I am so thankful to you and Joe for taking us all on your “holiday” as this has the best trip I have been on in a long time!! Can’t wait for more blog adventures!! Be well, travel safe and ENJOY!!! GOD Bless you both…Love and Hugs, Tricia B. 🙂 P.S. Are you sure you two are coming back? XOXOXOXO
I spent a few months in London last spring and discovered the Emma Bridgewater collection. I was so fortunate to be in London for the Royal wedding and bring home a limited edition teapot. I would love to add this Royal Jubilee cup to my collection.
Thank you for “Gloriosity” upon “Gloriosity” !
🙂
Linda
What a treat today! Your trip through Emma Bridgewater Factory was a delight and must tell you I received a ‘parcel’ from my pen pal in Prestatyn Denbighshire North Wales today… in it was a linen dishtowel with a picture of Queen Elizabeth II and her Prince — on their wedding day AND a current picture of them, a china box with the Queen’s picture on it and a Woman’s Day Magazine filled to the brim with the entire life of Queen Elizabeth II in commemoration of her Silver Jubilee. Your trip has made me feel like I’m there with you and then to receive a gift from my dear Welsh friend!!! Be safe and enjoy the rest of your trip!
Dear Susan–Thank you for the Emma tour. I bought 2 of the 60th ann. cups. One for myself and one for my sisters 60th Bday. Please enter me in a chance to win another cup. Pam
I REALLY want that mug, I don’t have any … and can’t afford one!!! Pllleeeease pick me. I’ve read every post and feel like I’m there with Petey!
Enjoy,
Anita
I love the cups you made. Looks like a great day out. I just new there would be a range rover coming at great speed when I saw how narrow that lane was!
Were you and Joe offered design jobs at the factory? I love, Love, LOVE your trip reports and look forward to reading & re-reading every post. I share a little with my husband and son, too. They can’t help but be curious when I laugh at the computer.
It was so enjoyable watching the Queen’s Jubilee celebration on TV over the weekend. What better way to remember it than to drink tea from a beautiful mug by English designer Emma Bridgewater!
I am having a wonderful time. Thank you for inviting me to all of this wonderfulness…
Such a fantastic tour you are having…how could you ever tear yourselves away from that factory?? But then…more wonders around the corner…continue to have a fabulous journey and thank you for taking us along!
I’ve been following you each step of the way ! What a treat…..Emma Bridgewater…..my fave ! Can’t wait to see what’s next…..
Susan, I have enjoyed your sharing this trip! My great-grandfather was a coal miner in Wales, and you are making the trip of my dreams! I would love to win the mug and would give it to my daughter, Kerry. Kerry is fighting Stage 4 breast cancer and is a huge fan of yours. She tells me every time when she tweets you and you answer back! She is thrilled!! Thank you for bring joy to her days!!!!!! xox
Loving the trip, always wanted to do the same. Would love, love, love the cup.
Drinking my lemon lavender mint tea and reading your England blog:) Thank you for taking all of us on your trip!!!
Well I really enjoyed the tour of Bridgewater – thanks so much for taking us along Susan. Oh and I love it that you are tuned into Radio 4 when you are travelling – the only station I can bear to listen to. I even leave it on to keep my cat company when I’m not at home!
So hope the weather stays fine for Hilltop…….
PS. I never realised there were so many differences between our two languages!
Oh Susan, you & Joe truly are “Bridging the Water” between good old USA and the UK via your blog! What a tickle to get a glimpse of thee factory. I can’t begin to imagine an entire town creating fine DISHES! Oh be still my throbbing, accelerating jolly heart! Thx for taking the time to blog and share all this wonderment.
love your blog; following you on your wonderful trip! Love the mugsssss!
I would so enjoy the mug. As usual, your blog makes me happy there is some sense of the pleasures of simple living (nice dishes) left in this hectic world.
THANK YOU!
I am totally enjoying your trip to the UK. You’ve seen so many beautiful places. The mugs you and your honey designed are gorgeous! So much talent between the two of you!
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Joan
I love every minute of your trip – especially the videos. Oh, pick me, pick me!
What a wonderful factory! I have to agree with you, those mugs are fantastic! I wish I could have been there! Cute dishes galore!
Have visited England and recognize some of the places on your tour.I am having SO MUCH fun being your guest! I must admit to being a bit teary eyed returning to some favorite places via your posts. Thanks for the memories. Loved seeing Emma Bridgewater’s factory with you. I love her work . Thanks for the tour. SMH
Oh Susan and Joe ( of course) thank you, thank you for the pictures and. videos . It has been so much fun seeing all the places and people and gardens. I watched the Queen’s Jubilee concert on tv last night. It was unbelievable. I had to write and tell you how excited I was to see the 2013 calendars are available. I wait for them every year. My son and wonderful daughter in love gave me a gift certificate from your website and I know what I’m using it for! Thank you! Thank you! God give you safe travels
Thanks for sharing the photo of the loo! I love a cute loo. And making your own Emma Bridgewater mugs – how cool is that?
Hi Susan, I would love to be included in the mug giveaway. I am enjoying your posts so much. I am on vacation myself right now, babysitting my grandchildren. I enjoy every minute you share with us. Thank you!
You introduced me to Emma Bridgewater pottery and I absolutely love it now! I enjoyed reading your post about the Factory…made me feel like I was there with you. Actually all your posts are so entertaining and informative. Seeing the pictures at the factory made me want one of those rose mugs. I love it!
Dearest Susan how wonderful you are to take us with you on the trip of your life. I
Feel like I am sitting in the back seat of your car!
I can smell the farm air and the wild flowers and I can just imagine how good the tea and pasteries taste. Then you tell us there will be plenty of your great calendars and I could win a cup!! And during the Queens Diamond jubilee! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Crossing fingers and toes, pick me, pick me…please? I loved watching the Flotilla, BBC America had it uninterupted = no commercials. One of the most moving moments was when the London Philharmonic floated past the Queens barge playing God Save the Queen and all those singers on top of the boat were so drenched from the pouring rain, but they were so proud and happy, it brought tears to my eyes. BBC America had such better coverage than CNN with all its commercials. I was up at 3am yesterday to watch the Thanksgiving prayer service at St. Paul’s live, I had lunch with the Queen at Westminster and watched that magnificent fly over of the Royal Air Force. Boy, I was pooped after that and it was only 10am our time! My husband has always thought I was a bit obsessed with Britain and this 4 day holiday only confirmed it. The only disappointment was the American coverage of the concert. ABC edited the H E double toothpicks out of it! I’m sure I can watch it whole online. OMG, TOM JONES STILL HAS IT!!!!!! Keep blogging when you can Susan, I feel like I’m right there with you! Safe travels always.
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to checking your next installment each day after work. My mom and her friend are enjoying them now too. I know how much time it must take to stop and fill us all in but, oh, what joy you are giving. To be able to take a mini-vacation vicariously each day or two. Many thanks. And now I think I need to order a new tea cup from Emma…xoxo
Oh Susan, I amso enjoying your trip!! Thank you so much for taking us along….love, love, love Emma Bridgewater and would love this mug. I want to visit the factory now!
Love the flotilla cup and reallllly love those rose cups! Please, can you add them to your shop? Please, please, please?? So much enjoying your trip with you. Maybe someday . . .
Hi Sue,
A wonderful story about Emma Bridgewater!
I love it when a “Phoenix” rises out of the ashes!
Hugs from across the pond! ;>)
Bunny
Have been enjoying your blogs from Britain so much. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for the wonderful trip-tic on all your travels, walks and best of all the pottery factory. I too LOVE dishes. We also watched some of the celebrations in England. Too bad that Prince Philip could not attend concert in the Queens honor because of a infection in his bladder. Thanks again for taking time to share your trip on your blog.
What a wonderful trip, thank you for letting us share it with you. The Emma factory was great, loved the cups you painted! I am so excited to see Beatrix Potter’s house. She was an idol to me, I have followed her life and art. You are a close second. Enjoy every minute of your beautiful journey!
Susan – I would love to be chosen for the ‘scrummy Emma Bridgewater mug! I watched all four and a half hours of the boats on the Thames on Sunday and marvelled at the endurance of the Queen. When I am eighty-six I hope I am half as active.
I am *so* enjoying “our” trip! You are a most excellent tour guide =-) And, my deahh, you look so veddy, veddy British! What a wonderful give-away, too, to celebrate the Jubilee…which, of course, I was glued to on the telly. Oh, yes, please, do have some sidah for me, it’s my fave =-)
Oh I am so enjoying your trip to England . Lovely post and photos as always . Thanks so much for taking us with you . I will have to go back soon one day , its been years since I went to England just love the country side . Looking forward to more photos and posts . Have a wonderful day !
Enjoying your trip! Love the ducks! & factory tour! Love the cute mug and watched the boat parade on Tv. Truly best blot ever!
Oh, to be in England again! Following your posts brings back so many memories! I would love to visit this factory, too! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Hi Susan and Joe…………..what a great job you did on your mugs! They were great and I’m sure that was lots of fun. I noticed those lucious cakes again and when you ate there they served you on their own dishes. How special was that! So much to see and do and hearing about the toilets with the chain pull reminded me of when I was growing up in NYC. We had one of those too in our apartment.
I noticed you used the word “bloody” so I think the English is rubbing off on you.
It sounds so cute. Can’t wait to see the next stop! XXOO Hugs, Gail & Joe Buss
Love the Emma Bridgewater wares… am sooo enjoying your tour highlights!! 🙂
The factory tour looks like great fun! And, getting to make your own mug!
Yes, Susan, I want that Jubilee mug… I want it bad… I just KNOW that this is my turn!
Take care,
Jake at Dapper and Dreamy
Hi Susan,
What a treat to be able to tour the Emma Bridgewater factory with you and Joe. You certainly are making the most of your time in England. The descriptions of what you are experiencing are just wonderful. Thank you for making my day.
Pat
I am having a so much fun on “our” tour through England! The Emma Bridwater factory tour was wonderful, it is amazing that everything is still handmade! Can’t wait to see where we go next 🙂