_Private View 2019: Emily Johnson on her family’s legacy in ceramics

Below is an excerpt of an interview with creative director and co-founder of 1882 Ltd, Emily Johnson in Private View 2019, Knight Frank’s definitive guide to luxury property and lifestyle across the UK and beyond. In the interview, Johnson discusses how 1882 Ltd has led the charge in the UK ceramic industry’s revival, thanks in no small part to their blend of using cutting-edge technology with a strong family-led ethos of maintaining tradition. Read the full version in Private View, 2019 on p.41.

Anyone who is taken in by talk of the decline of the UK pottery industry certainly hasn’t come across the ceramics brand 1882 Ltd, or its head Emily Johnson. Emily is the fifth generation of a family of potters and the creative brain behind the business, which has been credited for helping keep the craft alive while spearheading innovative ways to engage a discerning clientele.

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of ceramics since the 17th century, 1882 Ltd was formed in 2011. But while it may be a relatively young company, it has a long heritage. Named after the year the original business was founded, its history is modelled on family values and fine craftsmanship. 

Emily, you’re the fifth generation of a pottery business, what is the key thread that has run through its history? The love for this industry, along with the love of the people within it. It’s one of the most precious industries because of the people in it. It’s always been like a big family and that is very important.

So what led you to form 1882 Ltd with your father? I did a Masters in architecture and interiors design, where we had to look at a material in more detail. I choose fine bone china, and realised I knew a lot more than I thought. I believed it was an unutilised material in terms of design. It led to the idea for the business in 2010. This was after Wedgwood had gone into administration and the industry was already on the decline, so when I discussed it with Dad, I think he thought I’d lost the plot. I designed some lights that Dad had thought was impossible to make, but he did it, and everything progressed from there.

What is the main ethos behind the business? Innovative design, and industrial craftsmanship, all made in Stoke-on-Trent. 

What traditions have you maintained over the years? The human hand – there are 11 processes in making a mug. At every stage, it is touched by the human hand. Even if something is machine made, it’s still touched by the human hand and that is what is so beautiful about ceramics.

The pottery industry has had its challenges over the past few decades. How are you managing to stay successful? By working with designers that are individual in outlook, current and exciting. I am touched by, and very appreciative of, great design.

What are the future plans for the business? In five years, we want to have our own 1882 Ltd factory. I am very passionate about manufacturing in the UK and making sure we can still own and operate a factory here.