Emma Bridgewater

Emma Bridgewater is an English tradition, as English as toast and marmalade and there can't be many homes in the UK that don't have a piece of her inimitable sponged china. This fine quality kitchenware is most definitely made in England, through and through.

POLKA DOT DESIGNS AND MORE

The Bridgewater site gives you the opportunity to view the whole range of dinner services, mugs decorated with labradors, birds, hearts, chunky wine goblets and a range of oven gloves, aprons, table and drying up cloths, all found in textiles. The children's range includes plates painted with tractors and diggers, the circus and polka dots. Who could resist the polka dot dollies' tea set? For picnics, melamine beakers in some of the most popular designs and plain coloured plates set the scene perfectly.

NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME

This series of six mugs, each decorated with an archetypical English spring flower, including bluebell, daffodil, grape hyacinth, hellebore, snowdrop and tulip has been produced in association with the NGS and 5% of all proceeds will go to the charity, supporting garden open days across the country. The NGS masterminds the opening of 3,600 gardens from the smallest cottage to the stateliest home.

PERSONALISED GIFTS

Commissioned presents for special occasions are hand painted with names, dates and messages. The company also offers a wedding list service from their three shops, two in London and one in Edinburgh. The factory shop in Stoke on Trent has a rich source of seconds and discontinued lines, as well as being home to the ever popular decorating studio. Here you can have fun decorating your own plates and mugs, using Bridgewater's sponges and paints.

COLLECTORS

For keen collectors, the Emma Bridgewater Club (£10 per annum) will send you newsletters, catalogues and invitations to events, as well as the opportunity to buy specially designed pieces.

You can also buy a range of tins from Matthew Rice, Emma's husband, featuring his charming watercolours.