Staffordshire pottery maker Emma Bridgewater is opening a regal new chapter with the launch of an exclusive collection commissioned by The British Library.

Launched on Friday, November 11th, a new range of ware entitled Royal Beasts has been commissioned to coincide with the Library's first major exhibition of its Royal Manuscript Collection which will be unveiled to Her Majesty, The Queen at the British Library in London.

The Royal Beasts collection of ware has a hand sponged pattern, produced at its factory in Stoke-on-Trent, depicting a royal lion, deer, a crown, and a flower, in a combination of regal red, blue, and yellow colourways. 

The manuscripts are a unique treasure trove of works collected by the kings and queens of England between the 9th and 16th centuries. Commenting on her design Emma Bridgewater said: "A designer could not look for more exciting inspiration than the imagery of the royal manuscripts in the British Library.

"I have based this pattern on some of the menagerie of animals, real and imaginary that cover the pages of this collection. Equally compelling are the jewel like colours of the illuminated manuscripts and the characteristic cursive line of the monk's pen."

The items available include; a four cup teapot, a half pint mug, a French bowl, a half pint jug, and a 10.5 inch dinner plate. The Collection can be purchased directly from The British Library shop.