Webchat with Emma Bridgewater, Monday 29 February, 1-2pm. Post a question for chance to win SIGNED copy of her latest book Pattern

[RachelMumsnet]

We’re inviting you to put your questions to Emma Bridgewater during our webchat on Monday 29 February from 1-2pm.

Emma’s distinctive, much-loved pottery brand started after a failed attempt to buy the perfect cup and saucers for her mother 30 years ago. Since then it has found its way onto the dresser shelves and kitchen tables of homes all over Britain and beyond. Today, Emma Bridgewater Ltd is still owned and run by Emma and her husband Matthew, who continue to contribute designs. Emma Bridgewater pottery is manufactured in Britain, with over 200 people now employed in her factory in Staffordshire.

Her latest book, Pattern is a wonderful patchwork of stories behind the brand. Her inspiration is often deeply personal - a plate of her mother’s, a favourite children’s book, and as she tells the stories of each pattern’s creation, she reveals the intricate processes of research and collaboration behind the familiar designs.

Come and put your questions Emma on Monday at 1pm or post your questions in advance to this thread. Everyone who posts on the thread will be entered into a draw to win one of two signed copies of Pattern.

@brassywind

Where did the inspiration for your classic polka pattern come from?

I use a hodge podge of various EB patterns every day at home here in New Zealand

The feeling of the Ladybird books that I learned to read with, Shopping with Mother, the Party, What to Look For in Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter. I look back at these and feel a great nostalgia for the early 60s. Polka dots are the result.

@Ploy

I imagine you started out designing patterns by hand on paper. Are your patterns still designed that way? To what extent do programmes such as illustrator get used in your studio?

Hi,

I still work with pencil and paper. And we still make wet artwork using sponges and gouache paint. However, the studio is full of computers and an enormous amount of design work is done now on Macs.

@Puggyarthurmama

Hi Emma, did you always have an interest in pottery as a child? I can imagine you loving tea-sets as a little girl..

Hi,

You're so right! I loved dolly's tea sets, still do. And from early on, I liked shopping in markets, often choosing to spend my pocket money on little old mugs and jugs.

I posted earlier, but forgot to ask a question. May I ask one now... Will you every have an outlet for your ceramics in South Africa? There are so many fans here, and all we can buy are the melamine and tin items. Please ?

@Moxxygirl

Much as I like your stuff , I think it's overpriced! I understand you wishing to promote exclusivity, but sadly you out price a lot of folk who like it. Your thoughts?

Hi,

This is a completely crucial question and I acknowledge that we're expensive. But this is the real price of a plate. When you buy a cheap one, someone else is paying the difference. It's no different to cheap trainers, cheap t-shirts and all that. I steady myself when I worry about this, by thinking about food miles. I know they are a bad thing. If you believe in the cause of food miles, why not plate miles too?

Isn't the truth that we should all buy slightly less stuff, of better quality, look after it and respect it more?

@birdboo

What is your favourite thing about working in Stoke-on-Trent.

The people! The nicest, friendliest, funniest people anywhere.

@Godmancunian

I see you are now designing bedding and other household furnishings. What would you like to design next?

Bags! We're looking for the right suppliers.

@charlieandlola

Another EB addict here - can you please design a Mumsnet Half pint mug ?

Nice idea - I've never been asked!

@Yorkshireroots

Emma, do you and Matthew have retirement plans or dreams, or do you enjoy your work so much you'll do it until you drop? If retirement beckons, who might be on tap to take on designing duties? Your pottery and other wares seem so much to reflect your and Matthew's enthusiasms and sensibilities. In what direction do you envision the company might go if you two were to scale back your involvement in the design of your firm's products?

Hi,

Oh my God, the succession question! You can imagine we talk about this one quite a bit. We're still secretly hoping that one of the children might be interested. We're really good at pretending that we're eternally youthful. But I can't ever imagine retiring.

@PrinnyBiz

I thoroughly enjoyed the pottery cafe in December and have since joined the collectors club. My question to you is: will you ever consider having a wedding list function on your website?

Hi,

So far, we've thought better to leave this to the experts, e.g. John Lewis. But I know they do take a rather edited version of the collection, but we do talk about it. All I can say is, the conversation continues...

I've really enjoyed this, my first web chat! Thank you all for your interesting questions. See you in Stoke-on-Trent! Why not make our literary festival this June (9, 10, 11th) an excuse to come to the factory. Tickets are selling fast and we've got a great line up including Kirsty Allsopp, Mary Beard, Nick Hornby and many others.

Thanks so much to Emma for joining us today and for such an interesting webchat. Sorry she wasn't able ot answer all the questions but we think she got through such a lot in the hour. We'll announce the winners of the signed books v shortly.

Moxxygirl - If you go on a factory tour, you will see exactly where you money goes! So many people spend so much time on each piece, £20 for a mug is very good value for money!

Congratulations to LollipopViolet and Redgroundhog winners of the 2 signed copies of Emma's book Pattern. We'll be in touch via PM for details of where to send the books. Thanks to everyone who joined the webchat today.

Ahh I loved reading through this Web chat, very thorough and no dodging tricky questions. Makes me want a Mumsnet mug too!

Ooh yes I'd buy a Mumsnet mug.

Very pleased I got a question answered!

My question was more reassurance! Would hate production to move abroad. When I visited the factory they even explained how they source the clay from within Britain.

Fan web chat.

Thank you very much for answering my question, Emma, appreciate it. Hope you enjoyed the experience!