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.
Susan,
I absolutely love that cup!
Dawn
Susan,
I absolutely love that cup!
Dawn
God save the queen………and all of us Yanks!
Thank you very much for your nice tour
And as you mentioned a person can never have to much china.
I really lover your
Old China Dishes
entry.
Still love your blog very much
Take care
Bettina from Berlin 42
PS:
love that bath room picture (I would also take a photo – so much daily life)
All the best
Bettina from Berlin 42
Dear Sue,
You are living the dream! I love everthing! Thank you for all the little details. Hope I win !
Love, Diane
I can’t thank you enough for taking us along with you to England. Your photos are lovely and you are describing things in a way that makes me feel like I’m right there!
Oh, Susan! I am enjoying every detail and video and photo you post sharing your travels with Joe in England so far! Thank you for including all of us! I am a devoted follower of all things royal…I “grew up” with Charles and Anne and Andrew and Edward. Queen Elizabeth is a remarkable woman. I watched almost every moment of the Jubilee pageant on the Thames on the BBC live streaming coverage. Wonderful experience, and it made wonderful memories for everyone in Britain. I thought of you and hoped you were enjoying that day! Thank you again!
I am having THE BEST TIME! This is the best virtual trip (my first) I have ever made. Each time a new blog appears, I’m not in “West Texas anymore!” Thanks Susan. I know it much be a pain dragging us all along, but you can’t know how much it means to us.
I have enjoyed traveling with you, Joe and Petey. A wonderful adventure and vacation. I gasped when the other car came around the bend. So glad Joe has gotten used to driving on the “wrong” side of the road. Where are we off to next?
Thank you sooo much for including us on your trip! I would love to win the mug-it would be my first piece of Emma. I made my tea this morning and sat down hope hope hoping you’d posted another day. Hooray! Sipping tea and reading about England–delicious!
You are so kind to have brought us along on your amazing trip, and now presents too!
Thank you so much for including us in your “once in a lifetime” trip. I would love to have my own souvenir!!
Oh Susan! I am enjoying this trip to England with you, so very much! It’s such a great way to start my day! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Those “pots”….. Oh My! Simply lovely! Would love to sip tea out of such a special cup!!!
Jolly Good trip!!! Since I cannot get to England…thank you Susan and Joe for bringing England here to me in Montana, USA!! You two could be starting a whole, new career…traveling the world and sharing it with all of us on your blog!! I have enjoyed this trip so, so much..thank you!! Now a new item to begin collecting….Bridgewater mugs!
Hope you are having a spot of tea as I write!!
Sandra
Cannot say enough how very much I have enjoyed visiting England through your eyes. Thank you so very much, and I eagerly await the next post.
Oh, Susan, this is so much fun! Thanks so much for taking us along with you.
You have done it to me…….I am ready to paint again. Just retired and changing up my days to rediscover my “old me”, I used to paint “mini” pictures…they were 2 x 3’s, and even smaller. Quick and cute. The work of working while house-holding and mothering put any personal hobbies on the back burner for a long while with the lid on… to simmer. My stove got turned “off” actually, over the years. Well, this latest blog from “The Emma Bridgewater Factory” and YOU have flipped the “switch” for me. The painting table looks so inviting…I want to be there. The lid is “coming off”! Thank you Susan B.
Sue,
I am loving our trip!!!!! Thank- you so much for the gardens, tearooms, national trust homes, London at jubilee time! I iove the lambs and cows and ducks too, but I do need a Emma cup if luck be on my side. Keep smiling girl, you’re in ENGLAND.
Mary
My mug would love to drink from the flotilla mug! I eagerly await your trip postings. You are doing a beautiful job sharing the sights and sounds of England. Carry on, Sue and Joe!
Loving your journal, Susan! My sister is holidaying in London and through your blog I like to imagine I am there with her. And you of course!
What a beautiful cup!!! Or should I say cups, jugs and teapots as everything in this factory is lovely. I am having so much fun on your vacation, dear Sue and love the way you tell us how the British say things. What a shame all the pottery is still not made in this lovely place, after all when you buy something from England, you picture it made with women with Union Jacks on their fingernails and aprons. ♥ Kim
Thank you for the post and all the great links that you put with your post. I don’t have enough time right now but I can’t wait to come back to the computer and investigate the book store site.
I LOVE it when someone goes into a declining venue and brings it new life. Good for Emma Bridgewater and thank you SO much for sharing the story with us. Safe travels!! P.S. Would love to see the inside of some of the beautiful churches that have been on your route!
What a wonderful post. I prefer the people stories too, so keep it up. I never heard of Emma Bridgewater, until I found your blog. Fun stuff.
I’ve been enjoying your posts from England so much. It all looks so wonderful and don’t know if I will ever get there for a visit. The factory looks magical and I don’t have any Emma but it’s going on my list for sure. Thank you for taking us along.
Susan Branch and Emma Bridgewater – what a great combination! And can I just say I love Petey!
I love you for “getting” Petey. He only wants to be our friend!
I am in the “I-get-Petey” fan club! He is kinda like a little
brother. He has that twinkle and smile that makes you
want to know what he’s been up to. Something silly is what
I think !
…in all honesty…I was thinking last night about how to
say “thank You” to Susan ….and I thought “what if?”
we had something special to buy and gave a portion
of it to “A Favorite Something” of Susans ??? And
one of my thoughts was a T-shirt with Petey on it!
But….I hope…. when I buy her Diary of England 2012
she hears me say , “Thank YOU!”
I already hear you Dawn, you sweetheart!
oh Susan….I’m baking my son Tommy’s
Birthday Cake….thinking of you & thought I
would check on you….*sQueal* you are here !
Your books (my happy place) were with me
when my Tommy Fell 180ft -200ft. off a cliff into the Baptism River when he was 14 yrs. old!
….beyond sCaRy!!!! He is truly, truly, my
MIRACLE Boy !!!! A cute little blonde-haired
blue-eyed “20” year old miracle!!!! And you
were with me all along and didn’t even know it!
So many reasons I just Love YOU!!!! : .}
How wonderful, every birthday is an extra gift!!! Great that little kids can bounce!
Blessings Dawn, your comment about your Tommy just gave me chills. One would have to just believe that as he was falling Angels were with him to secure his miracle landing into of all rivers Baptism…Miracles do happen everyday and there is only one reason; the work of our Lord even though in today’s society Luck gets all the credit. Enjoy the birthday of your miracle.
wish I could tell you …. LONG story…..
but…..I saw the Angels and the Angel that was
holding him on the rocky shore was my Great
Aunty Corky. They will ALWAYS be there for
us with Peace & Comfort…promise.
Hello Sweet Susan!
I L-O-V-E this trip! Thank you so much for carving time out to give us such beautifully detailed posts. I’ve learned so much from you, both at home and now abroad. The Emma Bridgewater factory was brilliant. I read about her fab mother-in-law the other day, Pat Albeck. Her designs take me right back to being a kid in the ’70s. Naturally, I had to buy a mug with one of her designs. I would’ve never known of either of these talented women were it not for YOU!!!:)
Continued blissful adventures to you and Joe!
such great fun to see your travel log! and what a gorgeous mug!
I am LOVING your posts of your English adventure! Makes me want to curl up with a cuppa and watch my favorite bbc shows. I would LOVE to have that cup
You make the trip so real for us thank you so much! I feel as though I am in your pocket! Hope you pick my name…but the travel log is the real prize!
Oh Susan, I do hope you pick me. I loved the Diamond Jubilee. I love the Royal Family. I love England. I love you, your website, your books, your kitties, your lifestyle, and the fact that you have included us in your amazing journey. How unselfish of you! Tell Peter Rabbit hi for me and Petey, too.
Thank you for traveling with us as stowaways! I would love to win the cup as a memento of our trip together.
I have loved tagging along with you through merry England, while sitting on my porch swing. I had to get off the swing to show everyone the bluebells! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Bless you for taking us on your trip with you! You have a great heart!
Susan,
I wrote this nice long note yesterday and then realized today that I forgot to hot post comment so here it is again. Thank you, thank you for the 2013 calendar. I wait every year for your calendar to come out. I ordered the desk blotter last year and have it at work and love it. My son and daughter in love gave me a Susan Beanch gift certificate because they know how much I love your stuff. God give you and Joe safe travels. Keep the picture and videos coming!!! The Jubilee mug is beautiful!!!!
What a dream come true! What a time to be there, during the Jubilee…. I enjoy reading about your travels in such a lovely country! Thank you!!
Traveling was always my dream, but since my husband died my life has taken a different path. I’m so happy that you are willing to share your travels with us; makes me feel like I’m right there with you!
Oh the FLOTILLA – what a great giveaway – I loved watching it (actually it was one of the few things they showed over here) and was sorry when they pulled away. I’d LOVE the mug!!!!
Thanks for sharing your journey!
I am loving your travelogue. Thought of you when I watch The Queen’s Concert on Tuesday. Keith Lockhart was the orchestra conductor – on loan from the Boston Pops. Great. What a wonderful time to be in England.
Susan –
Now, thanks to your Dad, every time I see your pix I think of Sir Paul!! That is just too . . .something for words!! LOL with you (as opposed to AT you)!!
To see Susan decorating an Emma mug is beyond cool, since I collect both Susan and Emma! And, to learn Emma is in the old Meakin factory… I have Meakin too! Just enjoying your dreamy trip with each blog entry. Thank you for including us on all the fun! My vicariously virtual souvenir pile just got heavier.
Love, Love, Love that mug! The mugs you and Joe made are so special, there is nothing like a “one of a kind” item to make you feel like you have treasure. We watched the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on BBC America and thought it was just lovely (even though it ended in rain). We also watched the concert for the Queen on ABC Tuesday night. We couldn’t believe the amount of people who were there! What a special time to be in England. Would love to have that mug as a happy souvenir! Mmmm, a cup of tea from the mug and a slice of Banoffee pie! Thank you for delivering adventure and excitement!
Thank you for taking the time to share your amazing adventures with us. What a glorious trip! I would just love an Emma B. mug to sip my tea while chatting on the phone with my sister far away.
Safe journeys
Love traveling with you! Love the Emma factory tour! ( I have a few if her pottery pieces…love, love, love them!). Can hardly wait to see what come next on the trip log! Keep it coming … Loving it all! =}
So much fun to follow along on your adventures! The cup would be so fun!
What a fun adventure this has been. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Love the tour of the factory. My new thing to collect…well when I get my first piece that is.
Susan you are so blessed. (I think you know that)! You are living my absolute dream. I adore Beatrix Potter. I cannot tell you the countless times my wonderful grandmother read The Tale of Peter Rabbit to me. That formed my life-long love of reading. I have just finished all of Susan Albert Wittig’s Cottages Tales and adored them. Made me want to visit Hill Top Farm even more. Thank you so much for taking me on tour with you. Also, now I am falling in love with Emma Bridgewater and definitely have to choose a piece soon, unless of course, I am lucky enough to be chosen for the Jubliee piece!
Enjoy reading your travels from San Diego. Love the beauty of the land and all your adventures. I’m learning so much about England that I would never of learned if it wasn’t for you. What fun you are having! The mugs you created are real treasures. Sweet memories… Watched the Queen on TV and would love to have a mug to remember. The best to you and Joe!
Hi Susan and Joe,
Love the trip. Joe you are an artist for sure. I watched all the Queen’s doing’s. I would love that mug. How nice of you to buy one for us.
Nancy Jo
I would just like to say thank you from England. We have just moved about an hour’s drive away from Emma Bridgewater’s factory and having seen this blog, now can’t wait to go and see it for myself. I have many mugs of hers, but the spotted ones are still my favourite. So glad that you are loving England/Britain, it really is a beautiful country. You must come to Shropshire if you can one day. Peace and quiet and beautiful scenery. I am going to continue to read your blog as I will probably learn a lot too. Have fun at B. Potter’s home, it is so sweet. Happy travelling.
Thank you for your wonderful country … we just loved the Jubilee and how happy and positive everyone was! We could use a little Jubilee in America these days, right girls?
YES WE COULD….I don’t think we will be getting anything happy and positive during an Election Year it seems?? You always hear negative things about the Royals being so wealthy and the poor English subjects….well, from the looks of the crowds of “subjects” it doesn’t look like they are holding a grudge toward the Queen does it?? I wish all the monies being spent on this Election for ads and tv time could be used toward our deficit or for the good of the people in need….we sure could use a little Jubilee in America Susan!!! thanks for giving all of us your happy spirit everyday it sure is appreciated and it does help.
Thank you for your wonderful country … we just loved the Jubilee and how happy and positive everyone was!
So, Susan, you must be black and blue from pinching yourself!
I am, again, so grateful to be along on your journey!
And, in just a moment will take a little trip through Your Shop!
We are now in Minnesota and enjoying a day to ourselves….so I am taking advantage of catching up on your travel log!
Oh, Love your outfit!
Oh wow, for a few minutes I forgot that I was here in Ohio! How fun, and to make your own cup, what a perfect keepsake from the perfect trip. I loved the rose cups, maybe we would see them in your store sometime? Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.
We get a trip to England aaannnndddd a give-a-way? WOW! I am so enjoying OUR vacation and the trip to the Emma Bridge Factory is just wonderful. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to see the Beatrice Potter House. (Isn’t there an “x” in there someplace?) I have the film and two books of her life. And, of course, all the books she wrote and illustrated. Are you sure two months will be enough?
Nope. No, not a bit.
OH…I am jealous…all that pottery…..sigh….
I will be honest…when you left for this trip, I thought it would be terrible. I feared that it would just make me envious of you out there having a wonderful time and me here in Oklahoma. But oh I just like you too much. Aren’t you having the most fabulous adventure? And sharing it with us. So I love it you are having so much fun. And I love the stories and pictures. Travel on Susan and Joe!!
See, look at your naturally generous heart … and think, we are the ones packing and dragging around those 12 suitcases!
Yes, I really appreciate that you’re doing all the grunt work!
I shouldn’t complain about having to sit in the luggage compartment on those wild rides through the countryside!
No, you are safer inside those padded suitcases!
Look forward to your blog everyday!!!! Glad the trip is going so well. What cool new designs you will have when you return to the US.
Hi, Sue! You are having such a great time and seeing so many new things, it’s tons of fun to read your posts! By happy coincidence we were in London during the Flotilla, but since it was pouring down rain that day we decided to watch it live from our hotel room! It was still enjoyable and very interesting for us yanks. Enjoy the rest of your trip and thanks for the opportunity to win a cup!
Susan, Thank you for the tour! It’s so wonderful to see that this company is bringing this craft back to it’s roots in this pot-making town! The pottery here is amazing, I must have at least one piece of Emma Bridgewater, now that I know how much care and work goes into every piece…The mugs you and Joe made are so fantastic, I’m especially impressed at that Queen Mary, wow, he is a true artist!
Thanks for sharing your journey, I’m enjoying every post and picture!
What a wonderful time you are giving all of us left behind. You have a Wonderful Gift in your ability to make us all feel that we are getting to escape on your journey with you and your beloved, and all your lovely friend, both old and new.
Thank you for this wonderful trip. This has been so much fun. I can’t wait to see what the next bend in the road brings.
Loved watching the flotilla on Sunday Morning………what a beautiful sight to see…..
Hi Sue, Joe & Petey ~ I’m having such a wonderful time on our trip. It’s nice to visit England again after so many years. Looking forward to our next adventure!
xoxo from SW Hbr., Maine USA
Oh Susan,
I am soooo enjoying my trip to England with you and Joe! I can’t believe I didn’t even get seasick on the voyage over!!! Can’t wait to visit with Beatrix Potter, that has always been a dream of mine! This is the best trip ever, thanks so much for taking me with you ♥
Bye for now,
take care,
Cathy
I am so excited you have been sharing your wonderful journey with us!!! I recently received an Emma Bridgewater mug for my birthday…I smile before I even get my morning coffee now! I would love to have a Jubilee mug to add to my collection. It certainly depicts history beautifully. I hope the rest of trip is memorable and everything you dreamed of!
Hi Susan,
Thought of you yesterday when visiting a friend’s home in southern, IN – out in the middle of nowhere – bluebirds and sweet peas and brunch that included blackberries picked that morning in their woods and served on the loveliest old fashioned rose patterned china. We also visited an herb farm nearby for garden tours and lunch – all kinds of teas, teapots and fresh blackberry cobbler for dessert. I told them about your blog. Have a nice day!
What fantastic souvenirs from Emma Bridgewater! It would be jolly good to win that extra one, too!:-)
You and Joe are having a marvelous time, and I can hardly wait for the Beatrix Potter post!
xoxo
What a joy to stop by and read what you’re doing, seeing, and even eating! The pottery will be a sweet reminder of a lovely trip…and to design your very own mug, how fun! I just ordered an English Garden Hive for our bees…it’s as close as I can get to the English countryside for now, so thank you so much for sharing all the glorious details of your trip!
I check on your blog everyday! Great post today and I ordered my calendar yesterday. Love the mug. if I win it will be my 3rd E/B. Thanks to Joe also for getting some pictures of you in the post
Susan and Joe,
Thanks for taking us on such a wonderful journey. When we travel I always try to find a piece of pottery that I’ll use everyday so we can recall lovely memories.
How lovely! You have made my day. I’m right along side you as an armchair traveler. Thanks for the updates on your trip.
I get so excited everytime you have a new post! Thank you for sharing! What a wonderful adventure you guys are having!!
Thank you Susan for sharing your lovely England Experiences…I love it all!
Hello Susan, There is no place on earth like England, period. There are no words to explain the feel and look and quaintness either. I am enjoying your travels like getting a package in the mailbox every day. I can’t wait to see what has arrived on the screen. Thank you for sharing it all.
How fun! I’m vicariously on vacation with you – and loving the tea and the factory most!
Thanks for sharing
I have wanted to go on that tour! I am super envious, but happy that you and Joe had such a good time. Please put my name in the hat for the lovely mug. Have fun!
Dear Susan,
I love England and every time I read your blog, I love it more. I had seen beautiful Emma Bridgewater dishes in an article in my Victoria magazine, so when I went to London about 15 years ago I was determined to find her shop. I got on the tube by myself, made all the changes, got lost but finally got to her store in a small little town, I think called Fulton, outside of the city. By the time I found it—keep in mind I have no sense of direction at all–I walked in the store and loudly declared, “This is it—I can’t believe I found it!!!” to everyone there. Everyone just looked at me like—who is this who just walked in??? I had the time of my life looking at every thing there and came out with two little mugs –not the big ones but have you seen the little ones? –and two little plates in the cabbage rose design. And oh, the little town itself was wonderful. I hated to go back to London and all the hubbub…I also love the little towns where all the personality is!
Thank you so much for bringing back so many happy memories!
I could read you blog all day long.I feel like I’m there and soaking in everything. Maybe some day I’ll follow your travels. Love the mugs!!!!! Have another grear day !!!!!
What a wonderful trip we are all having. Loving the tour of Emma Bridgewater. Waiting for the delightful Beatrix Potter.
Susan,
I’ve been following along on “our” trip across the pond and have been enjoying every post. Love the Emma Bridgewater factory tour and would love to win the Jubilee mug….thanks for the chance to win.
I will be departing tomorrow for two weeks in the South of France with 3 other girlfriends, so will have to catch up with you and everyone else when I get back. Hope you all have a great time while I’m gone!
Ooooh! This is the best post so far from your trip – love, love, love these mugs!
Oh, Joe & Susan… Thank you so VERY much for sharing your trip with all of us!
I come to my computer in the sunroom with my tea cup. You are giving lots of friends a glimpse of heaven on earth! Thank you for your kindness to us!! ~love, love!! ~Jennifer Boyd
I am living vicariously through you, that’s for sure!! I told my husband that this is my dream… to take the QE II over and discover England, just like you have!
You have paved the way & sparked my interest for sure! I check to see if you have written to all of us each day. I know it takes an awful lot of your time and we all appreciate you doing the blog. The music, the photos, the videos…we can almost touch & taste it with you!!
I’m just having SO MUCH FUN reading all about your wonderful trip to England! Thanks so much for sharing with us all and for the chance to win a mug as well! Keep those blogs coming – makes every day a mini vacation from home!
Having such fun reading about your trip. It is almost as if I am there. Enyoy all the rest of it. So glad you got to go there! Jeannette
Ever since I fell in love with the Beatles when I was 15, I haved envisioned taking this trip. Thank you for allowing me to come along
In a sad,hectic week,your posts have made my day. Off to SoCal this aft for my father-in-law’s funeral with you and Joe’s trip in my mind,a slideshow to pop in when things get rough. Thank you so much!
It just gets better and better. Loving your posts and pictures! I feel like I am there with you. You really go the extra mile for us. Thanks so much.
Dear Susan and Joe–Thank you so much for taking us with you on your trip back to England! I can’t wait to see Beatrix Potter’s place. Your blog is wonderful as are the both of you. I loved your cups that you painted at Emma’s–so cool to be able to do that! Please enter my name for the drawing of the cup give away, thanks again!
Enjoy reading your travels from San Diego. Love the beauty of the land and all of your adventures. I’m learning so much about England that I would never of learned if it wasn’t for you. The mugs you created are real treasures. Sweet memories… Watched the Queen on TV and would love to have a mug to remember. The best to you and Joe!
I feel as though I’m on a wonderful trip to England. You make us feel as though we are part of it all with your great photos and detailed journaling. Loved seeing where Emma creates! How fun to design your own mug. Can’t wait to see the finished mugs when you return. Looking forward to Beatrix Potter’s home. Thanks so much for taking us on this wonderful, adventurous journey!
I LOVE your diary so far of your wonderful trip. England is my favorite for exploring, from the City of London to the Lake district…I can not think of any other place so beautiful in the spring….so enjoyed the tour through Emma’s pottery…it is so much fun to be able to create a memory first hand…looking forward to further pictures and insight into the British lifestyle.
Susan, it has been fun following you over hill and dale through England. What wonderful technology we have.
Emma’s factory was great. I can’t wait to see the finished cups you and Joe made. Enjoy the rest of your trip. I enjoy following you through your Blog. I have been a Susan Branch fan since I bought my first book back in 1987. Thank you for all you do. Put my name in for the cup. 
Jayne from Derbyshire!! Have loved so much the details from your visit to my home town! And I’m so chuffed that you had a Birds Cream Cake! Which one, pretty please? Thank you for this latest posting, it’s beyond fascinating….I’m right there with you. ( Just wish I was, in person!)
Our trip is super-perfect! Please beg Emma to make the “kisses” mug again. It would be a perfect wedding shower present! Thanks so much, Susan, for sharing your great adventure with the armchair travelers!
Joe and Susan,
What fun to include all of us on your holiday! It has been such a treat every time I read your blog!!
Cheers to you both!
Cocoa
I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful trip you are taking us on! I love Emma Bridgewater and collect her pottery. I would love to add the Jubilee cup to my collection and it would always be a reminder of our awesome trip together!
I can’t wait to see Beatrix Potter!
Hi Susan…. All your photos and stories are WONDERFUL! I’m wondering if you have seen any of Matthew Rice’s work (he’s Emma Bridgewater’s husband) around….I have loved his drawings and have been collecting his boxes, cards, stationary, books, etc. for years, but he seems to have stopped creating, except for contributions to some of Emma’s lines…. Have fun! Ruthanne
Really enjoyed seeing where my darling mugs were made that I cherish so much. You and Joe did an outstanding job designing and making your mugs. Wow! I love collecting Meakin china and it was fun to see the old factory now being used by EB.
Love to you and Joe. May your travels be merry and may the roads widen.
Thank you so much for this peek into Emma Bridgewater’s pots! I’ve admired her for a long time, but haven’t invested in any of her wares so far because I can’t really afford them. This year though I broke down and got the teatowel about the joys of tea and chocolate! Someday I’ll finally purchase a mug. Thank you for the chance at winning one.