In Conversation With: 1882 Ltd
fusing age-old craftsmanship with bold, design-led innovation to keep Stoke-on-Trent’s legacy alive and evolving.
As the fifth-generation custodian of a renowned Stoke-on-Trent ceramics legacy, Emily Johnson is reimagining what British pottery can be. With 1882 Ltd—founded alongside her father in 2011—Emily merges heritage craftsmanship with bold contemporary design, collaborating with artists and designers to push the boundaries of what ceramics can express.
From sculptural statement pieces to revitalised everyday wares, her work champions the future of an industry steeped in history. The Fluxx is honoured to sit down with Emily to explore the creative vision behind the brand, her approach to collaboration, and the importance of keeping craft not only alive, but evolving
1882 Ltd champions design-led ceramics- how do you balance innovation with the traditional craft heritage of Stoke-on-Trent?
It is all about blending the two. I don’t believe we can survive the 6th generation without doing both. The issue we have is that the skilled potters on our team average 55 years old, and what will we do when these skills retire? We need to entice the younger generation, which means we need to innovate.
The history of ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent is world-renowned. How has the city and its legacy shaped the ethos and output of 1882 Ltd?
It is the heart of industrial ceramics and is my legacy. I am a fifth generation of a pottery family from Stoke on Trent, so it adds an extra level of drive to me, and because we make some of the best ceramics in the world, it adds to the overall output of what we do
What does it mean to you, personally and professionally, to keep ceramic production alive in the UK, especially in a place so synonymous with pottery as Stoke-on-Trent?
It is pretty much everything. You don’t do what we do unless there is a deep-rooted passion and love for ceramics. The team of potters that I work with is as committed and passionate as me which is why we have the best team in Stoke on Trent.
With traditional skills becoming increasingly rare, how does 1882 Ltd invest in nurturing and preserving ceramic craftsmanship for future generations?
We have three apprentices, and we have just launched an exhibition called 100 Years, 60 Designers and 1 future, which is 61 designs donated from 60 designers, and we are auctioning off the plates to raise money for an apprentice.
Your collaborations with contemporary designers bring a bold and fresh energy to ceramics. How do you choose collaborators who align with your values and the spirit of the brand?
We have a very close relationship with collaborators, as invariably they haven’t worked in ceramics before, so they have to trust us with their designs.
It is essential that we all get on, and so, to be honest, that is the first thing! The designers we work with all share the same ethos, and that helps!
Many UK industries have outsourced manufacturing—why was it important to you to resist that trend and produce your collections locally?
It has made life difficult in many regards, primarily costs. But you know what, it brings a richness, the story you spoke of above, and an integrity that I believe the consumer is getting more and more hot on. We aren’t inexpensive, but you know where and who has made our pieces, you know they are made with love, and that is what really matters.
1882 Ltd is a family business that honours generations of expertise. How do you see your role in carrying that legacy forward while also carving your own path?
My role is to get my son to engage without putting too much pressure on him.
Looking ahead, what’s your hope for the future of UK ceramics—and how do you see 1882 Ltd continuing to contribute to that vision?
I would like us to have a training college for the industry. I wish our government would see the value in maintaining these skills rather than training people in AI or giving AI the energy breaks. They are failing us, like successive governments before and rather cynically, the future governments are likely to be the same. So it is down to us, and in Stoke, we are known for our resilience. My job is to ensure that we shout from the rooftops as to why we still matter and why we are still relevant.