1882 Ltd. is a design driven ceramics brand produced in Stoke-on-Trent, England formed by fourth and fifth generations of the Johnson Brothers family.
Having lived in California for eight years, Emily Johnson decided to return home to the UK. While studying for a Masters in Architectural Interior Design she was required to pick a material to study in detail, she chose fine bone china and in the process realised that not only did she know more than she thought but that it was a material that was undervalued as a vehicle for innovative design.
Emily Johnson at 1882
TELL US ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF YOUR FACTORY (JOHNSON BROS) AND THE CHALLENGES AND WINS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.
EJ: The Johnson brothers started producing ceramics back in 1882. They sold to Wedgwood in the 1960’s and at one point JB’s were producing 100,000,000 pieces of ceramics a week. The tragedy was the greed of the industry that wanted to make more money so outsourced manufacturing to the far east. However, there is a huge demand for British-made ceramics - I don’t think we will ever be making 1 million pieces a week though!
STOKE ON TRENT IS KNOWN AS THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CERAMICS – HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THIS TRADITION AND CRAFTMANSHIP?
EJ: People - we have the best heritage craft skills in the world. The issue is our industry is aging and we need to ensure the next generation is trained and engaged and that is our main focus.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOU FROM OTHERS?
EJ: We don’t say no
WHAT DREW YOU TO COLLABORATE WITH WILDSMITH?
EJ: I love your brand. I had the joy of going to Heckfield this week and it is so clearly in your dna. We are what we are, through and through, you can’t fake that. There is passion, authority, skill, and love and that is so evident in all you do.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PERSONALLY AT WORK? MEMORABLE MOMENTS?
EJ: My team of potters. My son.
LOOKING FORWARD, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS OR DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE OF POTTERY AND YOUR FACTORY?
EJ: We carry on making amazing product. We train the next generation and we pass it on to the next generation.
Our English Ceramic Collection is available for purchase here.
