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.
I’ve been blog stalking every day for your latest English adventures (it’s almost embarrassing, lol), and eagerly await to read about your visit to Hill Top! I wonder where Petey will turn up next! Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Susan, you are living my dream! I have wanted to go to England since I first read Jane Austen. And to actually get to see Tom Kitten’s stairs and Jemima Puddle-duck’s hill! (I still have all my Potter stuffed animals and books from when I taught a yearly Beatrix Potter unit in kindergarten). Thank you for sharing your trip with those of us who are still dreaming about doing it! Your blog is one of the high points in my day!
Oh my gosh…..what a wonderful day you had! Did you walk thru all those rooms and reach out a fingertip to touch those lovelies? Did you surprise the workers with your artwork on the cups? Thank you so much for taking us all along with you. I study your photos for the tiniest details and realize that the simple is the most beautiful and natural. A sheep, a peacock, the gentle vines flowing over a wall or fence – serenity. A more gracious hostess there has never been 🙂
I feel as if I had a tour of the factory right alongside of you! thank you! Love your mugs you designed. 😉
I am having so much fun seeing England with you!! Its almost as good as being there myself. Cant wait to see Beatrix Potters house!!
Loving following you on your travels. I would love to have a cup, even if it’s not ‘spotted.’ Thanks.
I would love to win this mug! Thank you for such a wonderful tour of the factory! I love Emma Bridgewater’s dishes!
I’m so enjoying your trip with you. I have a new convert now looking at the blog. She is a new employee of ours. When were not busy we are on the blog enjoying all your adventures. Keep on bloging and have FUN!!!!!!!!
what other china(pottery) factories are still in production in Stoke? I was totally unaware there was such a closing. I love English china and pottery too. Going to the factory is a dream come true-thank you Susan! So much fun and I adore your mugs.
Pam G.
I love the idea that the cups are made all in one piece. Interesting place. Thanks for sharing.
Oh how lovely that you and Joe take time to think of your girlfriends on the blog! I would love to have a little bit of history in a cup, thank you very much. I am waving hello from New England with much love and hugs! 😉
I recently found a family tree of the Wells family in England which my Aunt had updated all the way down to me and my sister. Your trip to England has had special significance to me since I discovered this information. You make me feel as though I am there!
How could you not love these great mugs?!
I just started to read your blog and very much enjoy learning all about your little adventure. Keep up the good work,
Katrin
I’m loving the virtual tour of England with you. Thank you for taking time to blog and share your travels!
Wow! Joe sure is brave to be driving on those narrow English country lanes! Bet you’re glad you have seat belts! It’s even more difficult when the oncoming traffic is coming from the wrong direction!
Those ducks are too cute. We get the Muscovy ducks here in FL. Just this morning I saw a Mama and about 8 of her little yellow duckies. 🙂
The Emma Bridgewater factory looks divine. Guess the closest I’ll ever get to it was when I toured the Royal Tara China Factory in Ireland in ’89. That was interesting also. (Why do the call it ‘China’ if it’s made in Ireland?)
I must say, you’re certainly looking very British yourself! Bet all the locals think you’re one of them. They must be surprised to hear your American accent!
Looking forward to your next adventure! Cheerio, old chap!
Hi, Susan and Joe…
What fun you must be having! Emma’s work is lovely. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished S & J mugs. Thank you for sharing your adventure…husband John and I travel with you every day. The details you include in each blog, along with all the photos, make our virtual journey to England such a delight! Best wishes from Colorado to you both and to “our” hosts that we have been meeting along the way…
I am having the time of my life reading about your trip in England. I sometimes feel as if I am right there with you and Joe. Please continue to share your travels with us back home. I, too, wish to win the Emma Bridgewater mug. I ordered the large mug of the Diamond Jubilee for my daughter and gave it to her full of her morning coffee as we watched the flotilla on the Thames.
Thanks for inviting us along on your amazing adventure! I feel like I’m right there with you. The mugs are Beautiful and I don’t know how you could ever pick your favorite. I’m SO looking forward to seeing Beatrix Potter’s house!!! Aren’t we having fun??? XOXO
Oh how I would love a cup from England to sip my tea from! Love reading the blog. Almost as good as being there–not quite –but almost! Thanks for sharing the trip.
THANK you hugely for sharing England with us:) I’ll probably never get there- but thanks to you and your supportive husband – I can!
And by the way – you look GREAT in a skirt! That’s all I wear these days – but may I ask what type of stockings you are wearing? I love them! *sorry ’bout all the !!!!!s
SAFE AND HAPPY JOURNEY TO YOU BOTH:)
They’re just brown tights!
just LOVE your Sue and Joe cups! What fun!
What a wonderful trip you are having! I have enjoyed following your point of view at each stop you make, its easy to imagine I am right there 🙂 I LOVE the Emma Jubilee Mug!!!! What a fantastic piece to have, we enjoyed watching all the festivities across the pond….
Susan,
I have so enjoyed following you on your trip. It has been wonderful. I also have to share. As I sat down in church last night (Wed.) one of our older adults turned around and handed me his copy of the program from the Queens Coronation 60 years ago. He happened to be in the service at the time, stationed in England and several of the men were given passes to go. I was so excited I could hardly stand it. To turn through the pages and see the family pictures, the long line up for the parade listing every groups name, the diagram of the parade route and on the last page was the ancestory page with print so small you could hardly read it. It was all so awesome I had goose bumps. What a special opportunity!
Now I can’t wait to see Beatrix Potters house. I know you had a lovely time.
So enjoying our trip tp England. Loved the driving video!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for taking us to the Emma Factory. I can’t wait until I get there in person one day soon. Now that I know you can design your own piece of pottery, I’ll have to start thinking about my design. (Yours are great, by the way!) I am LOVING all your blog posts. I was glued to BBC America over the weekend, and was wishing I was there for all the festivities. Can’t wait for the trip to see Beatrix Potters’ house. My two baby boys (ages now 22 & 25) had Peter Rabbit bedding, which I can’t bring myself to get rid of. Hope you continue to have a wonderful trip. How many boxes of “souvenirs” are you mailing home??
We are all so lucky to be enjoying your trip! The photos are wonderful and makes us all want to be “a fly on the wall” in other adventures; you’re the first I know of to take along so many with you. Emma’s shop and factory was quite fun! I loved my pottery classes in college and this is it! Thanks for sharing with all us land lubbers.
Love the Diamond Jubilee mug!
I would be most jubilant to receive that lovely mug!! Loving this shared adventure!! Cheers!!
I have enjoyed your comings and goings in England. Its so nice of you to let us all in on all the fun. I sure would love to win the Queen’s cup. Its almost like us all being there for the celebrations seeing all of your photos. Thanks again.
Oh, my, do I want to win!!
It’s been so much fun to read along with your England adventures, Susan. 🙂
As I drink my English Breakfast tea from my “Robin” Emma Bridgewater cup this afternoon………..I am entranced with your trip. Joe is an artist! He cooks, he draws and a great traveling companion…..what fun you two are having! I have followed you for years and love all the humanity in your work. Its a pleasure to follow your blog.
Another Susan
Thank you Susan!
Hi,
I am so enjoying our vacation…thanks for taking me! I purchased the cocker spaniel Emma mug from your online store not too long ago. The cocker looks just like my Hobo. I fear I may get addicted to these adorable mugs and it is all your fault!!!
Safe travels,
Jerri Ellen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
It happened to me, it should happen to you, only fair! 🙂
Oh Susan and Joe, Thank you, thank you for sharing the factory tour. Your mugs will be a treasure for all the years to come, instantly bringing back fond memories. My pen pal from Leicester, has just sent a package with an Emma Bridgewater tea towel celebrating the jubilee.. You must find yourself one. I am going to turn mine into a center of a quilt with English themed fabric. Oh what fun. Now you have something else to discover. Keep creating those wonderful memories and sharing with all your girlfriends.
Watching the flotilla was wonderful, the Emma mug is a lovely memento.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with all of us who have been lucky enough to discover your blog. I’m loving your excellent photography, especially of the delightful homes and gardens. I’ll be as sorry as you and Joe will be when your trip ends. I loved the pictures of the Emma Factory, outside with the wonderful old brick buildings and then the inside showing how they create their ‘lovelies’.
My sister and I visited one of the “potteries” in 1994 and spent the night at a B&B in Stoke-on-Trent. A great memory.
I feel as if I’m traveling along with you. Beautiful trip.
I would adore to be there shopping amongst all that gorgeous pottery!! My grandparents came over from England and lived around Stoke-on-Trent. I’m Canadian and have been so enjoying reading about your adventures and watching the Queen’s Jublilee!!
What wonderful experiences you and Joe are having. I must say that Joe is a brilliant artist. I love that ship! I have adored “Stoke-on-Trent” china since I first saw it. I have some teacups. They’re beautiful. Keep having such a glorious time you two!
Susan and Joe and Petey~~
I can only feel that you all know how excited we as your room~mates tagging along are having just as much fun as you all !!!! What a hoot this has been…I’m always looking forward to the next walk about ..or…riding along the country side…having tea …you really have made this journey feel like I’m there too! And seeing Emma’s factory..made me finally order the Pansy Mug today that I’ve drooled over …soon it will be in my hands …Thanks guys..this has been a blast!!!
I watched the entire flotilla event on tv and it was fabulous – even in the rain! I love the Emma pottery and would cherish a mug. Love your blog too.
Susan,
I look forward to your posts! Thank you for taking the time to bring your “cyber friends” along! The pics and accompanying thoughts are fabulous! Safe travels ~
First of all, Thanks for the tripping. I love England. I know it takes you alot of extra work to bring us along, and I just want you to know that I really appreciate your efforts.
Oh, yes, take me to Bea’s. I’ve loved her books and the pictures in them forever.
On another note, I loved the factory. What courage to open it all again after the demise. I’d love a cup of any kind from there.
Hugs!
I am enjoying your blog so much. I haven’t traveled to England yet, but hope to someday. I love the mug!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing your beautiful trip. I look forward to your blog as it wipes away the gloom and brings sunshine to my day. The videos are as if I am right there with you. It is an added blessing!
Hi Sue,
Yes, I would fancy the wonderful Jubilee Emma cup!
The Flotilla on the Thames was breathtaking and this would be a great memory of it and of your and Joe’s trip.
You are so generous to be sharing your journey with all of us all these weeks.
The diary, when it comes out, will bring the whole trip back and more, with information that you couldn’t possibly have time to put in your blog.
I have to say, didn’t the Queen look beautiful? So happy and youthful looking.
And I was amazed that she stood all the time during the Flotilla. Also, that she never needed help going up stairs or getting into the carriage.
Loved seeing her laugh when Prince Charles spoke after the concert. So endearing.
This line in your blog, “This was the sky over Beatrix Potter’s house. . . a dream just came true. ♥”, made me cry! But a happy for you cry. So glad that so many of your dreams are coming true!
Keep on having a dreamy time!
xoxo
Suzanne – Carmel, CA
Susan, I am so impressed with Emma Bridgewater! Bless her for her committment to Stoke-on-Trent. And if I don’t win the drawing, I am going to order one of her mugs from you. I, too, cannot get enough beautiful dishes. Loved seeing your pictures of her factory, and you telling the people side of it. The mugs with the roses are beautiful. So happy you are having such a wonderful time. What a treasure your diary will be. Can hardly wait for it!
Hi Susan!
I just love that you highlighted the Emma Bridgewater Factory! Such beautiful pottery, and I love that it’s made in England! I would love to win the Royal Jubilee mug (although I would probably give it to my mom because I know she would love it even more! 🙂 ). I hope your trip continues to be just as wonderful, and thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Have a sunny day!
~Kim
What a lovely tour. I am enjoying all your posts from England but especially loved this visit to Emma Bridgewater. What fun to design your own mug!
When I checked my email today I was sooooo hoping that you would have a new post, and you did! I loved the tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory! Amazing! And what fun to paint your own Emma mug!! Oh, how I would love to win the Jubilee mug, so I will cross fingers, toes and hope like crazy. I think about you sometimes during the day and wonder what you are doing just then (since you’re 8 hours ahead though, probably sound asleep!) and feel so happy that I get to tag along on your holiday to England with you and Joe. I await eagerly for your next post and Hilltop Farm!! Eeeeep!!! 🙂
I can’t wait to see Beatrix Potters house. It looks like you were blessed with sunshine there! I love Joe’s mug its so great 😉 Seeing all that pottery brought back a flood of memories of helping my Aunt in her ceramic studio. I’d help pour the molds, clean the greenware, decorate, glaze. Spent a whole summer doing it for favors for her son’s wedding. Best summer ever!
Thanks for sharing it all with us!
So enjoying all the blogs of your trip. Can’t wait to read and see what you are doing next. And yes, I would love to win the mug.
Hello Susan,
Thank you so much for taking us all along on your wonderful adventure. I am thrilled everytime I see a new blog post! I loved the pottery in this blog, it is so beautiful. In the town I live in, we have a place to go and paint your own pottery, and they fire it for you. My daughters and I try to go at least once a year to have some fun, and get a special “one of a kind” item that we painted. Thank you again for all the blogs, I just love them!
I am so loving “my” trip to England! Seeing as I may never get there myself (terrible fear of flying and not enough time to take the boat), I am savoring all your posts. Winning that cup wouldn’t be bad either.
Thank you so much for the great tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory. I have loved her dishes forever! Such a treat to see where they are made, and to know that someday I too, can design my own piece….someday. 🙂 I would of course love to win that jubilee mug. Can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy your and Joe’s trip to England. After Texas, my favorite place in the world.
oh Susan, I have been so ENJOYING your dispatches from jolly olde England. A dreamy trip for sure. You have been so generaous with your time, spening a LOT of it I am sure putting together these lovely posts. I watched the Flotilla on the telly and it was magnificent. So kind of you to giveaway a treasure like that! Pip Pip Hooray!~ Shelagh
I always wondered about the Emma Bridgewater mugs Susan, and now I see why you cherish them so much ~ thanks for sharing the photos and I love the one you made to commemorate your trip! England sure has been in the news a lot lately: the wedding last year, the Queen’s Jubilee, and the Summer Olympics about to start there next month too. Add to that the posts from your trip and the book I just finished set in one of the British Isles, you would probably enjoy it too: “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. Anyway, a Bridgewater mug seems like a good way to acknowledge all of this Britishness lately – though I will be drinking coffee from it instead of tea 🙂
Hi, Susan!
I am so happy that you and Joe are having a wonderful time! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Terry
All have been such wonderful posts – thank you for taking us on our armchair travel with you. What a honor and privilege it would be to receive an English mug from you all the way from England. You are both such sweethearts to remember us. Can’t wait for the next chapter of Joe and Sue in England.
Thank you Sue for taking me along on your fabulous trip. I have been wanting to go to England since I was 18 (that means I’ve waited 39 years for my dream to come true). I REALLY enjoyed the tour of Emma Bridgewater’s factory – would love to have a Jubilee mug as a memento of our adventure <3.
Cheers!
Love all the pix & videos! Did you give the ducks some bread? 😉 LOVE Emma’s factory-just wonderful. Hugs to Petey!
Susan and Joe, what a wonderful time you are having, it has been a joy to read your blogs, I even have a friend in England who is also following you on your travels. She is very fond of English pottery and feels sad that some of it is not made in England any more. She recently sent my son and his soon to be bride, Beatrix Potter ornaments for a gift.
I can see you have picked up one or two words that are quite British.
Susan you make my heart smile, I have everyone of your books and it all started when I picked up my first, The Summer Book. In fact I did just send Girlfriends, to my friend I spoke of.
Enjoy the rest of your time in England stay safe on those narrow winding roads
Bye for, I will check in tomorrow to see where you are.. Fondly—Pat
Oh Susan,
I was at Stoke many years ago now. You have brought back so many memories. I visited the Moorcroft factory (wonder if it is still there?) and one other. The name escapes me. We were on a Belleek convention and tour, but I was “stoked” to be there because it is where my favorite “Shelley” English cups come from, although no longer in production.
The American who bought Belleek, modernized the production, so three cheers to Emma Bridgestone for doing it the old fashioned way.
Enjoying your blog and please draw my name out.
Mary Ann
Thank you Susan! That was so great! If I ever get to England, I want to go there! You are so good to us! Love, Jennifer
I’m so excited for you. I was born in Nottingham but haven’t been back for 40 years. It is almost like being there again. Try a snowball (drink) in one of the pubs. I loved it and you can not get it over here.
I am loving your England tour. Never particularly longed to visit England, you you have RUINED ME! What a beautiful and historic place. Have you ever read the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. Fictional mysteries with Beatrix Potter and fictional characters, set in the villages near Hill Top Farm. Beatrix is the gal that solves the mysteries. One of the charming aspects of the books are that the animals speak, only to each other, not to humans, we just are not bright enough to understand their languages. Very charming, gentle mysteries. Since you are such a creative person yourself and such an animal lover, I thought you would enjoy the books. Thanks for being a blog girlfriend.
Reading the first one right now!
It has been so much fun to see your postings of your trip. I couldn’t get enough of the Diamond Jubilee on tv! Great job with your cup design!
What a grande tour!!!!! And how exciting to get to design your own!!!!! Thank you for sharing with us. You must have wanted to bring home one of each if not the WHOLE factory. How fun!
I am just loving your blog posts from England. My ancesters came from England, Wales, and Ireland. I have always wanted to take a trip to the British Isles, but so far it hasn’t happened. Because you are so kind to share your trip with us, I’m able to “visit” England through your eyes. How wonderful to see the Emma Bridgewater factory. I would love to win the beautiful mug. It would almost be like visiting the gift shop. Can hardly wait to see Beatrix Potter’s cottage. Thank you Susan.
Isn’t wonderful to have your very own chauffeur to drive on the left. Thank you so much for giving me my England fix. It has been a while since I have visited and I really, really miss it. Have a great rest of the trip!!!
I am loving the trip to England, thank you and Joe so much for sharing with us all.
Wowsers! That was way cool!!! I did ceramics for 40 some years so this was the highlight of your trip so far for me! I no longer have my moulds or kiln but still have some paints!!! The side piece was nice but not as good as yours…..maybe you should do tours throughout the world and write some travel books for people like us who are more interested in things like this than in London Tower! GOOD JOB!! Thank you!! Hope I win!! from Idaho…. greetings!
One of the best days of the trip! If I was there, I’d be looking high and low for my most coveted Emma mug that I have yet to find. It says on it, “I Love You More Than Elvis”. NEED one of those! Maybe they have one tucked into some forgotten corner? Thank you so much for sharing the factory visit and letting us know that you can also make your very own Emma mug! Winning the Jubilee mug would be fantastic!!
Arline in LA, CA
Good day!
What a wonderful tour at the pottery factory. I have always loved Emma Bridgewater pottery. I am so enjoying our trip in England. The videos are a lot of fun. Love the commemoration mug. What a lovely celebration it was! Keeping my fingers crossed for contest …..winning would be lovely!!!! Patiently waiting for Hilltop trip….safe travelling.
Kathie
Dear Susan and Joe,
What a remarkable and lovely journey you are both having across the pond! I love Emma Bridgewater too and it was so lovely to visit her shop with you! But I have to admit that Joe’s cup was my most favorite of all! Such talent!
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts, amazing photos of all of the places I would love to see; the field of bluebells, Vanessa Bell and Virginia’s home and now a fantastic pottery factory to name a few!
How fun! Love the Emma mugs! So fun to adventure with you in England! Would love to have the Jubilee mug, who wouldn’t!!! 🙂 can’t wait to order my 2013 calendars too! Wahoo!!
Thank you for sharing your trip. Everything looks lovely.
Loved your tour through the factory. What wonderful items they have. Where can we buy them in the US?
I look forward to your next adventure. Thank you for sharing all this with us!
All best,
Tiah
Thanks for the tour! How fun to design your own mugs! I would love to have one of her mugs and think I’ll save up some money so I can get one! I can’t wait to see the Beatrix Potter tour!
I am living vicariously thru you blog! Have you started the Beatrix Potter mystery yet?
What a wonderful trip this has been. I just can’t wait to see what will come next. The photos are just so great and I spend many minutes staring into them and magically transporting myself into them. The tour of the Brigewater factory is just great, I remember when I was blessed to vist the Delftware factory in Delft, Holland. So many beautiful pieces…how to choose? The cups you made are great! What a wonderful way to remember our shared trip! Have a happy day and we will be awaiting our next visit!
totally charming…wish I was there
Love Emma’s cups. So special. How sweet of Joe to make one with both your names on it.
That cup likes me.
Thank you for taking the time and allowing us to enjoy your vacation with you.
Susan, your blog is a delight. It has been such fun following you on your special trip to England. Thank you!
You look so happy, Susan, and I am so happy for you! Thanks so very much for sharing the tour of the Emma factory (I think it should be called a workshop or studio – not a factory). I love the one Emma mug I have, and had fun seeing how the line is crafted!
xoxo,
queenmum
Thank you for sharing your fantastic trip.
I am enjoying every post.
Love the mugs
OMG…over 700 comments?!?!?!…you poor dear for having to “moderate all of these comments”….you are one special lady !!!!!with love…P.S…I’ve already commented so you really don’t need to moderate this as well..God be with you !!!!
Oh my! I am in LOVE with Emma Bridgewater mugs!
It would be wonderful to win the Jubilee mug….fingers crossed!
I read a blog by a gal who lives in Yorkshire and she has some spotted and striped mugs….i’ve just realized they must be Emma mugs. You should check out her blog…i read it mainly for the crochet tips/patterns but i really enjoy the rest of it too. And she has inspired me to use more colors!
attic24.typepad.com
Want to thank you so much for including us in your trip. It is my dream to do the small, but wonderful things that you are doing on yours. The country side is soooo beautiful. Please give us more. I’m waiting for your next installment!!!!
I am enjoying all of your blog posts from merry ole england so much. Thank you for sharing with all of us !! Looking forward to more. Thank you again <3
Yes, thank you, I WOULD like to have that cup! And thank you for the ongoing tour. I really do hope to get to England someday, someday, someday…
Susan,
I’m a recent convert to your blog and am now a bonafide addict! My husband & I are Anglophiles since our honeymoon in London 36 years ago. We try to get back every other year and now I have a lot of places to add to our next trip, thanks to you. Beatrix Potter has always been dear to my heart and I’m so looking forward to “seeing” her home through your eyes. Thanks for sharing all your lovely experiences. I wish I could give you a shopping list. Hope I win the mug! Cheerio to you, Joe and Pete!
It’s ALL wonderful, Susan! I so enjoy tagging along for the England Adventures. Fabulous factory tour…a darling place! I am now an Emma fan too. Loved the Floatilla Cup and the personal ones that you made. Lovely and so Special! Thanks for sharing…the ducks, the roses, the sky, the mugs, the jubilee nails and flags…oh what fun! Cheers to you!
I love Emma Bridgewater and have yet to own my 1st piece. I especially love her floral designs! I love the mugs you and Joe painted too! I really think you need to do more ceramic pieces and dishes! I have a wonderful ceramic teapot and canister of yours that I got as a gift years ago but I would LOVE to have Susan Branch dishes too!!! ♥ Thanks for sharing your trip!!! You’re doing a great job for those of us who can’t go! In the meantime we can day dream “Someday…” thru you! 🙂
love your travel blog. sounds like you are having a great time and making wonderful memories.
thanks for sharing, patti
Thank you very much for sharing your trip with us. Lovely, lovely, pictures. Would love the mug, enjoy your England adventure.
Oh, my goodness, I have been waiting with baited breath for your next blog. I LOVE them! Sounds like I don’t have a life! 🙂
Thank you for the tour of the Bridgewater factory… One of the places I hope to visit some day?
Did you draw that ship on Joe’s mug? SOOOO fun!!!
Would love to be entered into the drawing for the mug! THANK YOU for the opportunity!
Safe travels!
Nan
Susan it is also My Dear One and I’s ‘DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY’ in September; however we will not be having a flotilla on the water … maybe a flotilla of grandchildren would be just as grand, n’est-ce pas?
I think it is possible my name could be drawn so from the bottom of my heart thank you for the sweet giveaway. We, your girlfriends, will never think Emily mugs the same after our visit to her place. I have so enjoyed traveling with the two of you and smiled to myself when I spotted ‘Petey’.
Joyfully,
~Sylvia Faye
I feel like I am in England with you… what a lovely blog. I love Emma Bridgewater as well and hope you draw my name!!!! Thank you Susan for taking us to places we may not be able to see ourselves!!!