It has been our aim to bring you more and more brands that are designed and produced here in the UK. At first, this was quite a challenge but over the years we have found and worked with some truly talented British manufacturers. This is our Great British Story.
One of the things we love about British manufacturing, (as well as the amazing designs) is the fact that we can go and visit these companies and watch the whole process being carried out from an idea to a design to the manufacturing/production. By seeing this ourselves we can share the story with you, our customers.
We work with Linda Bloomfield, a well-known UK potter renowned for her dimpled pots and visible throwing lines. We first met Linda when she entered our ‘Talent for Tableware’ competition to showcase her products with us at the Table Show. Since then, Linda has designed a range exclusively for Goodfellows, which she produces by hand in her London studio. This is what working with British potters is all about, creating something unique together, whilst making less of an impact on the environment. Linda’s ‘Simplicity’ range is available in ivory and grey, made to be mixed and match. We absolutely love the dimpled pots in this collection, which Linda does so effortlessly (it seems!) by hand. You can see more from Linda here.
We also work with local potters from the North East of England; Newcastle upon Tyne (very local to us as our Head Office is located in County Durham). A few times we have popped along to their studio, witnessed the talent (and a little bit of magic) that they do there, which always amazes us! Similar to Linda, we met these potters by chance, at a food festival!
One type of ceramic that we all associate with Britain, is Bone China. It is as quintessentially English as anything can be. It would be inconceivable to serve Afternoon Tea without using Bone China.
The hunt for the best British Bone China producer has got to be our biggest chapter yet! Over the last couple of years, we have been fortunate enough to build a relationship with Walpole, based in Burslem, in the heart of the Potteries. Now run by Pauline, Peter & Michael Walpole, this manufacturer is proud to keep the ‘Totally British’ story of Bone China production alive.
The clay is sourced from Cornwall and transported to Burslem, which by road is around 246 miles. Following production and decoration on the same site, if products are transported direct to customers in London, they would only travel another 163 miles. The total distance travelled would then only be 409 miles, making Royal Worcester Bone China a perfect choice with regard to sustainable sourcing, as well as truly British-made!
Walpole also now produce Royal Worcester & Spode branded products, where country of origin is of upmost importance. Both are iconic brands recognised for their rich and unmistakable decoration. We love their Tranquillity pattern, which features birds and branches. It is designed to be layered to build a story through its decoration. What do you think? You can browse and shop here.
While their Saturn range is pure elegance and a great choice for chefs. It’s clearly defined rim, matt and gloss finish and contemporary shape makes it a great choice for chefs and the perfect fit for any contemporary restaurant or hotel looking for the simplicity and beauty of white plates. Take a look here.
We can offer you the capability of creating your own design on totally English Bone China with the full promise of using the only mark of integrity that counts; ‘Made in England’. Why not get in touch and see what we can do?
Our Great British Story has a start and a middle but it does not have an end as this is something that we are planning to continue to work on, especially when it comes to sustainability.
