Emma Bridgewater on what we shouldn't get hung up about when laying the table
Emma Bridgewater, founder of the successful eponymous pottery company, is no stranger to a royal celebration. Best known for her commemorative collections (all items sell out within weeks of being released), these keepsake mugs have been at the heart of the brand since the very beginning. Here, we talk to Emma about her most memorable royal moments and how she's preparing for the Coronation...
"Commemorative pottery is an absolute staple of what we do here," Emma tells Country Living from her factory in Stoke-on-Trent. "It's always how we've seen ourselves – making mugs that will remind people of big events: the jubilees, coronations, the investitures, and the babies."
Emma first designed a commemorative mug back in 1986, when the Duke of York married Sarah Ferguson (below). Since then, she has gone on to create collections for the Queen's 80th birthday, royal engagements, Zara and Mike Tindall's wedding, the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the Queen's 90th birthday, William and Kate's wedding, Harry and Megan's engagement, and much more.
Each range has been a wild success. Harry and Meghan's engagement mugs sold 1,000 units in the first 24 hours, while the Queen Elizabeth II commemorative mug became the fastest selling and the most popular item they have ever produced. More recently, the new King Charles III ½ pint mug sold more than 1,500 pieces, making it the business' second fastest selling product.
"When you tap into things that people are truly enthusiastic about, you get a great response. As the events have happened, we've had a better and better response," she adds.
Commemorative items – whether it be mugs or pretty plates — remind us of those special events long after the bunting has been taken down. "My favourite royal memory is my brother, aged eight, dressing up as the Queen in a dress belonging to my grandmother with my mum's jewellery."
From street parties to watching the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Concert on TV with neighbours over a tipple or two, the UK's royal events have been jolly affairs.
"It's a short moment when we really do feel like all the algorithms and arguments go away," Emma tells us, recalling the moment she walked around London during the Jubilee last year. "We're all friends, we're all the same. There is something uniquely democratic and British about that. Really, what could be better?"
And, finally, it wouldn't be a Coronation street party without an impressive table display. Before you bake the Coronation quiche and pour the gin, Emma shares with us how she'll be setting the table for the King's big day.
"I'm imagining trestle tables, white paper tablecloths, polka dot plates (these always make a party atmosphere!), and jam jars with a few buttercups in them. Always go for the easy way. If it's done with love that's all the matters," she tells us.
"Bring your finest brownies, make lashings of strong tea, have a lovely time and get to know your neighbours. Don't get hung up on what it looks like too much. The conversation and the friendships of the whole day are more important than your tablescape. Relax and have a good time."
Visit emmabridgewater.co.uk/commemorative-royal to see the full collection.
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