A unique Emma Bridgewater pottery design has been officially
declared an 'Icon' in a major industry award.
The Half Pint mug was judged the winner of the Icon Award in the
Excellence in Housewares Awards at a glittering London ceremony
this week.
Emma's classic design took the top industry title in the face of
tough competition - beating household names such as Portmeirion,
Global Knives and Alessi.
The mug was one of the first designs produced by Emma, who
founded her pottery business in Stoke-on-Trent 25 years ago, and it
remains a key part of her earthenware collection.
Said Emma: "I am delighted that our design has been
honoured by the industry in this way, and receiving the award in
our 25th birthday year makes it all the more special as it shows
our designs truly stand the test of time.
"I have to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of our success, the
people who make our lovely ware, our loyal customers and, of
course, the people who are our greatest ambassadors - our
stockists."
Describing the inspiration behind her design, Emma explained:
"The Half Pint mug is based on a traditional earthenware mug shape
which deliberately recalls the look and feel of the kind of mug
used in pubs to serve beer and cider. The heavy foot is a
reminder of the way the foot of a mug might be turned on a lathe to
create a distinctive profile and also greater stability."
Today many thousand Half Pint mugs are made and decorated each
year by hand at Emma's Victorian factory in Stoke-on-Trent.