Pattern: & the secrets of lasting design

by Emma Bridgewater

This is the black and white paperback edition of Pattern , published in hardback in 2016 by Saltyard Books.
If you would like the original colour illustrated version of Pattern it is available in hardback ISBN 9781444734942.

Creativity, collaboration, inspiration

Emma Bridgewater's patterns are as quintessentially British as marmalade on toast - and they have made her distinctive homewares best sellers across the world.

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 she has stamped on our kitchenware - and our hearts - for the past thirty years.

Both an entrancing trip down memory lane and a behind-the-scenes look at a thriving creative business, Emma Bridgewater's PATTERN is essential reading for anyone who has ever turned over their mug after draining their tea and wondered about the human story behind that proud Made in Stoke-on-Trent, England...

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Art

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2017

Reviews

[Helen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories and inspirations behind some of the classic pottery designs from Emma Bridgewater's factory. With gorgeous photographs and some recipes thrown in this is perfect for any fan of the pottery.

[Sara Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the halfway point I committed to finish this book as it was a short and quick read and I have had too many abortive attempts with books recently. And although the chapters didn’t ever really flow, I did like the tiny glimpses into the world of Norfolk beach picnics and Parisian cookware shops and mont blanc desserts and lurchers. And whilst my kitchen doesn’t have space for all the lovely pottery patterns I’d like to own as a result of the colour plates in this book, I definitely have room for a new Pinterest board in my life.

[Manuel Messina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely compendium about Emma Bridgewater's most symbolic patterns and designs through the years, filled with memories and personal stories from (almost) long gone times... The author, also founder and owner of the factory, shares with readers family secrets and tips from her early childhood, her adolescence and her marriage life, intertwined with pottery and homeware facts. The book is quintessential for all Emma Bridgewater fans.

[Book Grocer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchase Pattern here for just $20!

An insightful look at Emma Bridgewater's pottery and homeware designs. Full of beautiful prints that would look amazing as standalone posters, and lovely photographs.

Elisa - The Book Grocer

[John Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather boring.

[Susan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled to finish this book, but have finally managed it. I am not sure why it has been hard work. Maybe a life I was not able to relate to.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read

[Louise Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains no how-to instruction at all. I picked it up in a hurry thinking it was. It's still a nice read though. Also, I don't even like this china - I think it's too thick and too messy looking, so it was a lesson to me to see how much love and care goes into it. I shouldn't be so dismissive.

I still eat off thin plain white dishes, though!

Anyway, this is a ramble though her life: the context for the designs. Interesting if you like to know how an artist thinks. Pleasant because she has a nice mind.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into Emma Bridgewater's influences, and to what makes this company so popular.

[Ross Mountney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiration feast of words and pictures!

[Catherine Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the designs of Emma Bridgewater pottery. I particularly liked the pattern index at the back of the book which helped me date my collection.