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.
such a fun jubilee mug! and what a fun time to be in England. You guys are having the time of your lives!
Penny
I will never get to England so send me a pot any pot!
Happily, if you don’t win one, Susan sells them in her online store–click on the little purse at the top of the screen… 🙂
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! Just lovely.
Spectacular mug for the Jubilee!
I have always wanted to go to the Bridgewater factory and now I hope I have an opportunity to cherish her Jubilee mug.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE yours and Joe’s mugs! they are awesome!! I am so overwhelmed at this wonderful blog day! You are looking euro in your clothing attire! Good for you! LOL!! Here is a hug through the computer@ LOL!!
Going to England has always been one of my dreams! Having a mug from England just for me? Priceless! I would feel so special every day sipping my tea! Thank you for such beautiful, wonderful, informative and enjoyable posts. I wish I could be with you, but the gorgeous pictures and discriptions you give are the next best thing!
Thank you so much Susan! I really love what you are doing. It really feels like I am in England with you. I love Emma Bridgewater and have just started to collect pieces. Thanks again Susan
I think you should stay on vacation all the time. I am really enjoying this trip and hate to think that one day it will end. You need a tv reality show where you travel from place to place. Thanks for taking me along.
We think this would be the perfect life, except for kitties, and our own little garden at home . . .
Don’t you find that visiting other people’s gardens makes you want to go home and work in your own? I do! Have you gotten inspiration for incorporating something new into your own garden?
I’m in so much trouble!!!
and our own little bed at home! LOL! 🙂
Remember what Dorothy with the ruby slippers said!!! 🙂
Love your England adventures!
I have dreamed about going to england my whole life. I even majored in English Literature in college so I could continue dreaming of castles and knights and beautiful countrysides. I am living vicariously through your adventures! Thanks for giving me that! I have also been glued to the “telly” to see whatever I can about the Jubilee. What fun! The mugs you both made are awesome… I never knew Joe was an artist too. However, after thinking about it, that just makes sense that you two would be married to each other. Two peas in a pod. Kind of like my hubby and I. Enjoy the rest of your journey, I’ll be waiting for your blog posts on the other side of the pond!
I have been a faithful fan for many, many years! I love, love, love your blog and everything you do! Cannot wait for a new book! I have never been to England; love Beatrix Potter, love the “Royal’s” and would love this cup. I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling with you in blog world! Thank You!
I so enjoy checking my inbox for your England updates! FANTASTIC photos! Would like to be sipping my tea from the fabulous Diamond Jubilee mug, hint, hint! Thanks soooooooo much for taking time out of your busy days to keep us updated about your trip! Anxiously awaiting your next post 🙂 You are such a dear. xoxoox from the US!
We postponed our celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee due to a rainy forecast last week and are looking forward to Saturday when we will properly toast the Queen, float our homemade boats in the kiddie pool and wear our best, imaginative royal inspired costumes! I would love to win the fabulous mug but even if I don’t, I’m thoroughly enjoying your travels. I would have freaked out with the narrow twisting roads – steady on, Joe! Thank you for sharing this trip of a lifetime, Susan
I have just loved reading about all your adventures in England. It is so beautiful and all the animals are adorable. I would love to win the cup. The tour of the
factory was wonderful.
We are tea people – love the mugs and teapots in the photos. And especially the story about Emma continuing the Stoke tradition of being known for the manufacturing of lovely dishes/cups/teapots, etc. So happy she opened her factory there.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! What I wouldn’t give to walk just a mile in your shoes 🙂 But it is so nice to live vicariously through your blog! Thanks Susan!
What a great adventure. I love the Emma Bridgewater factory and your mugs are just the reminder of how special this trip was for you and Petey. I’m so glad you’ve included “us” with your blogging! thanks so much for a great trip! (I watched the Queen’s Jubilee celebration whenever I could!—how proud the Brits are of their Queen! hip hip hurray, hip hip hurray, hip hip hurray!!!) Can hardly wait for Susan B and Joe’s adventures with Beatrix Potter!
Your adventure in the UK has also fascinated me though I usually don’t leave a comment. Oh how I hope to visit this factory next year on my next big adventure. But in the meantime, pick me for this special mug.
Thanks for sharing! I really am impressed by the mugs you made! Very nice!
Loving our trip!!! 🙂 They do beautiful work in that factory!!! Wish we had factories like that here!
It has been so great following your trip – giving me ideas for my trip next year. Loved seeing the Emma Bridgewater factory and I thought the mugs you designed yourselves were lovely – I want to do that too!!
Looking forward to Beatrix Potter visit
Susan,
Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your Excellent English vacation. You are doing and seeing things I’ve never even dared to dream to do. I will tell you, a visit to Emma’s factory is now on my bucket list. I will do it!!! Thank you for stirring the passion in me!!!
Your girlfriend,
Julie Jenkins
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. Each posting is a delight to read and a time to imagine being in the back seat with you.
I love Emma’s factory Susan, thankyou for taking us there! How wonderful for you and Joe to design your own mugs such a keepsake to remember your trip. It’s so nice to see that things are still made by hand and wonderful that dishes are still being made there. I wish that those factories would open again. I have about five mugs since you introduced me to Emma and I love them dearly, for tea, coffee or even my morning oatmeal. Wish I was there with you, and hoping you are having a grand time! Beatrix here we come! -East Longmeadow, Ma
I would love to win that lovely mug. Today is my birthday. What a pleasing surprise that would be, Susan.
Happy Birthday Margie!
Thank you, Susan! Your posts always brighten my day! I have really been enjoying this trip thru lovely England!!
I don’t see my original message so am writing again.Loved the Emma Bridgewater tour. Makes you want a cuppa!!!
I too am having my jubilee like the queen. I turned 60 in May “60 years Queen ” for me also. I would love to win the mug 🙂
I would so LOVE to win that mug, I have one Emma cup which I love and would be SO happy to have another!!! I was in England on my honeymoon over 20 years ago……and as you do, I love England and all things English. I haven’t been able to travel in many years so I am living vicariously through you and Joe!
Kathy Meurell
The Diamond Jubilee mug is incredible–would love to win it! Anxiously awaiting your arrival at Hilltop Farm
The Diamond Jubilee mug is incredible–would love to win it. Anxiously awaiting your arrival at Hilltop Farm!
Oh! Just started my own Emma Bridgewater collection with a mug I purchased last week (the robin mug). But I confess I fell in love with the Jubilee Flotilla mug too. So….I throw my hat into the ring…who knows?
I am enjoying your trip almost as much as you are…thank you so much for sharing your adventure.
. . . and I was just thinking how terribly boring my white mugs are! Oh I hope I win!
Such a lovely opportunity to see everything and learn about this wonderful place. I always want to see how things are made and appreciate all of the love that goes into making this beautiful pottery.
Thank you for the chance to win this special mug.
Have a happy day!
I will cross my fingers and toes, hold my breath, wish on a star, spin in a circle and tap my heals together and maybe I’ll win that mug! I’m holding my breath!!! Well o.k. maybe I’ll just cross my fingers.
I am enjoying this trip to England so much. I would love to go to the factory someday. Love all the beautiful dishes, mugs, pots, etc.
Thanks Susan and Joe for continuing to share your adventures. You know, of course, I am now craving a few new mugs…
Hi Susan,
I have really enjoyed our trip so far. I would love an Emma cup! The queen’s jubilee was so fun to watch. We must come up with something truly spectacular for our tricentennial… thinking… thinking… I guess we still have some time to plan.
Mary A.
Susan,
I am SO LOVING touring England with you, reading and saoking it all up, I just haven’t posted much. I cannot tell you how much I am loving it, it has been a dream of mine forever to go there! Here, you could go by yourselves, as you so deserve, yet you are sharing! Just like YOU!
And tell Joe, I think his cup is divine! Great job, both of you!
Nancy, the Snowflakelady
Love traveling to England with you both!
You have truly done a great thing by taking all of us to England with you. I will probably never get there…my husband is disabled. I am loving every post!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lee
XOXO happy to do it Lee.
Enjoying EVERY minute you are sharing! So happy for you two and your wonderful adventure! NOW that a mug is “up for grabs” . . . well, I am crossing my fingers and hoping for that wonderful souvenir! Cheerio!! 🙂
Your Emma posting made me re-live my trip to the Crieff factory in Scotland many years ago…to see the thistle pottery being hand painted. Enjoying your postings.
I’m having such a good time on this vacation! I would love to win an Emma Bridgewater Jubilee cup straight-away!
Love Emma B’water pottery, hope I win! 🙂
That cup would be perfect for my seaside cottage here in NJ! I’ve loved every minute of your trip Susan
Hi Susan,
Loving all your stories from England. We will be there in the middle of July and I can’t wait.
I’m seeing spots ! Any sharp showers today? May fun be your umbrella. Will you be bringing home a live rabbit from Hilltop to pose in your studio? Tra-la
I’m loving England!! Wish I was there!! Hope I get the mug 🙂
O, Dear Susan,
Can you feel the earth shaking? It’s me 🙂 I’m jumping up and down saying “pick me pick me” to the hand that does the random-name-pulling. I would be the happiest girl if I were to receive such memorabilia – Royal Jubilee! – to remember our wonderful visit to England!! I watched it on the “telly” and thought of you over there, so close!
O, and what fun I am having traveling along with you and Joe, Petey and the girlfriends. But – do be careful on those scarey little bitty narrow roads!!!!! Yikes! “precious cargo aboard”
I love the pot factory. Wouldn’t I love to work there! Yes! My next life’s work. Surrounded by the smell of clay, my hands in it, feeling the cool smoothness of the greenware, creating beautiful pottery and dishes. Heaven!
As always, can’t wait for the next post!
Have fun, stay safe, and stay between the lines (where ARE those lines?)
Love to you!
♥Deb♥ from Buckley WA
Thanks so much for taking us all along.
So much has been said already, but I’ll try not to come up empty and just say, Susan and Joe, you two people are so lucky to share all these similar interests as a couple, a rare occurence today (I ‘m lucky too) . Love everything you do. Enjoy each other. You are a fantastic couple!
Oh my goodness! I was just telling my husband how I want a Diamond Jubilee Emma Bridgewater mug! Pick me, pick me! That would be jolly good! Beatrix Potter here we come!
I am so enjoying your visit to England!! I still check the Queen Mary webpage to see where “she” is every day and also the NYC harbor webcam. Maybe I will be able to catch your trip back under the bridge when you come home. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
I’m so happy to see somebody using an existing structure, and making beautiful products, instead of being wasteful and just building something new!
The trip has been fabulous so far! Can’t wait to see Beatrix Potters’ house. Seems like it is going so fast!
Way too fast; I almost don’t want to tell about Beatrix Potter so we can savor it some more. We went back to Hill Top yesterday! Second visit. So completely HEAVEN, and perfect.
I’ve been so glued to my TV absolutely enthralled with all of the Diamond Jubilee coverage! Since I have a Queen memorbilia collection, I’m just screaming at all the wonderful things for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. I treasure a plate and an original program I have from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee!!!! As I was watching the Royal Flotilla it dawned on me that YOU, Susan, and Joe were probably in the crowds getting to witness this!!!!!! I wrote to my sister and told her that I had figured out why that “sneaky Susan Branch got to go to England NOW” Ha!!!!! You very lucky duck, you!!!!!!! I would just scream to high heavens if I won that Royal Flotilla mug. Mercy darling!
I have been a Bridgewater fan since 1989! It started with her purple tulip dishes, then onto purple figs. Last year I was lucky enough to find a few mugs at a tag sale. I love your tour of the factory and the mugs you created.
Thank you so much for the Travelog.I have looked forward to this and will be sad when your journey ends.I would love a cup!
Oh my, I am loving your tales of your English adventures! And the Emma factory!! Yes, I would truly love to win! Thank you so much Susan for sharing all the fun with us…
Since I will never be able to go to England, I thank you for taking us all along. You make traveling vicariously such a wonderful experience! I love all the Emma “pots”! And the ones you made are wonderful – what a keepsake they will be! I have no Emma “pots” or mugs, but I love dreaming about them as I see them on your blog! The countryside is exquisite, your journeys fun and sometimes humorous, your friends so warm and hospitable, and the entire trip is just plain out of sight! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s so sweet of you to drag us all along! I so appreciate it!
701 responses!!!!!!!!! (so far) Everyone wants that mug!
What a treat to be able to travel England with you! I look forward to each new blog. Thank you!
It’s been such a great virtual-vacation with you Sue! Thanks for loving the fine details; beauty in simple things; yummy morsels; the very gift of excitement and anticipation!
I love all your post from England. My dream is to go there one day. Of course I love the Jubliee mug. I enjoyed all the ceremonies so much.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us.
Have been enjoying every bit of your trip so far. Thank you for sharing these very special moments. Enjoy seeing where Petey appears next, he’s such a good traveler.
I have enjoyed your travels in England.
I am enjoying seeing England with you, although I am missing Girl Kitty and Jack,
any news on the two? I would love to win a mug.
You are living my dream!
I love Emma Bridgewater’s pottery.
I was a lucky girl a few months ago when I found a mug at the Goodwill store for fifty cents! It says “I love you more than new shoes..Love and Kisses my best friend”.
I can’t imagine why someone would send that to Goodwill!
I think it would be fun to paint my own mug. Yours look great!
My husband and I took our wedding trip to England way back in 1979. We happened upon Hill Top one day! I couldn’t believe it..I never knew about it. Such a special place.
We are planning to go back some day. In the mean time I am enjoying your blog and loving everything English.
Thanks for the travelog Susan.
I’M HAVING SOOOOOOOO MUCH FUN ON YOUR VACATION. I WATCHED THE DIAMOND JUBILE ON TV, LOOKED FOR YOU DIDN’T SEE YOU. I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR YOUR BOOK OF THE TRIP. SO WE CAN LIVE IT ALL OVER. WOULD ALSO LOVE A MUG.
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all your posts. Are you sure you didn’t buy anything else at Emma Bridgewater? I expected more shopping in the beautiful gift shop. Thanks for the chance to win a Jubilee mug. It’s beautiful!
Oh, we sent lots of gifts home!
Thank you for sharing your England adventure with us. It has been such fun to follow your adventures!
I would love, love, LOVE to be selected to win the mug.
Love all things Enlish/England, read British mysteries and watched as much of the Jubilee as I could.
Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us!
Loved touring the factory with you!! I would be in Heaven there!
Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your trip adventures. I am enjoying reading all of your posts.
Thanks for taking us with you on your England tour. Your GPS adventures reminded me of driving in Lucerne and almost going down a flight of stairs in the old town. And we could not blame GPS way back in 1980! Please sign me up for the mug and I’ll grab the Beatrix Potter biography as I drift off dreaming of cute ducks….
Thank you for the wonderful tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory!! How fun! You are truly having the time of your life. And what sweet memories will be awaiting you on your return home.
Blessings!
I’ve loved hearing all about your travels in England!! Thank you for sharing your many adventures!! And it was wonderful to see inside the Emma’s factory!
OH Sue! You seem to be having the most magical time! Thank you for bringing us all along and sharing the tiniest details. Sharing all you do is time consuming for you and here I sit having “arm chair” travel.. no luggage, no scary cars headed at me on narrow roads, and you bring me right to the doors of the charming places. We get both the sights and the sounds! I feel certain one day you be sending us the scents and the taste as well. You’re the best.
p.s. i love your skirt!
Especially loved this day that you spent at the Emma Bridgewater factory and how very wonderful to get to create your very own mugs!
I especially liked the design your own mugs and the lettering INSIDE the England mug. And double the fun to have them arrive in your mail!
How delightful seeing Emma Bridgewater’s Factory! I gave several of her cups to friends and relatives for this last Christmas. Now, I have forwarded this wonderful blog so they can see how and where their cups were made. Christmas Day we all sat around together while each person opened her cup. They were all different, and they loved them. I think I’d better do that again this coming Christmas. Thank you for your detailed blogs. I love them all!
How could your heart hold all the happiness the trip to Emma’s factory gave you? Painting your own commemorative mugs was very special. Did you teach Joe how to draw or paint?
No, he was born with it. Used to paint when he was in school, but pretty much doesn’t do it anymore. I don’t understand why, I think he would be great!
It would be like the U.S. version of Emma Bridgewater and Matthew Rice! Susan and Joe! 🙂
Little did I know when I found your magic blog at Christmastime, would I be joyfully awaiting your next flotilla of heartwarming words and enchanting pictures… I am enriched and feel blessed by this sweet gift. Thank you, Susan, for inviting us all into your wonderful world!! I am learning so much!! Sarah from good old SLO :o)
Thank you so much for letting us live vicariously through your wonderful blog. I find it so inspiring and it gets my creative juices flowing! I also love pretty dishes and thank you so much for introducing me to Emma Bridgewater – I love her dishes and it would be so special to have a mug of the Diamond Jubilee! I have been reading your books since they first came out but just recently discovered your amazing blog – I am transfixed and transported everyday. Thank you so much!
What a grand time you’re having! Love the Emma Bridgewater mugs.
The Emma Bridgewater factory tour looks like SO MUCH FUN! I have collected Emma Bridgewater pottery for years. I really love it. Enjoy your trip over there!
Gosh,
I want to win that cup! I so enjoy reading about your travels that I am there in heart and spirit with you!
Barbara from Lodi, CA 😉
Nothing could be better this month, after watching coverage of the Queen’s
Jubilee than walking thru the countryside with you, you’re actually in England!
The factory tour engulfed my heart and soul because nothing compares to
pottery and linens from abroad. Thank you for sharing another special day.
Absolutely wonderful views of countryside and villages, makes me wish I were really there! I wish, oh how I love the Emma pottery factory, that I could have been a tourist walking through looking at each design soaking in the essence of beauty there. How exciting, too, to be able to see the Queen’s 60th Celebration and the exciting news of finding the ‘Curtain’ Theatre unearthed! Thanks, once again, and stay safe on those narrow roads!
You are so much fun to travel with, Sue. I am enjoying myself immensely. I wish I had taken a skirt along. You look so cute and British. The cups you and Joe made are wonderful. I didn’t get a chance to make one so I would love to win the Jubilee cup. Cheerio.
Oh my what a wonderful tour!! Yes please enter me in your drawing for the Emma mug!
I watched the Queens festivities and the flotilla was amazing!!
Enjoy your trip and thanks for taking me along!!
xoxo
Reading your “England” blog has been my little treat most days. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Can’t wait for the calender and I Love! the mug!! Glad your having a fabulous time.
I am having such a delightful and exciting time on our trip to England. I almost feel as if I am there. You are so woderful to read and I enjoy your pictures and tours so much….I have been deciding what I would like to order in memory of the diamond jubilee. If I could win the beautiful mug, then I would be able to order something I that I love. Please let the random number selector to stop on Pamala……Thanks ever so much
What a fantastic trip to the Emma Bridgewater Factory! I’m so glad I get to “visit” through your eyes.. I feel like I’m right there with you! I want to try to get there someday.
P.S. Thank you so much for allowing us to “come along” on your trip throughout England.. it’s making me fall more and more in love with all things English!
I am loving following along with you. Oh would I ever like to tour that factory. So much pretty to drool over. I have just a few Johnson Bros. turkey plates. I like the ladies Jubilee nails. I hope this is my lucky time. Thanks for sharing trip with us.
Emma Bridgewater’s pots are examples of the charms of England brought into all of our worlds. Would love to have this companion piece for my What A Queen mug that celebrated her birthday in 2006.
For taking me back to places I’ve loved and forward to places not yet explored, I thank you.
Oh, my. I am HORRIBLY jealous, but having SUCH fun following your adventures. I love my Emma Bridgewater! Called a friend tonight JUST to tell her to go read your blog. We are now wistful for England and a tour of this factory. I would LOVE to win that mug!
Susan, thank you for the opportunity to win the Emma B mug. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. Love this blog!….and you and Joe!
Julie
I am enjoying your England adventure so much! Thank you for sharing such lovely days with us.