1882 Ltd. Launches Ceramic Collection in Support of QEST

3rd September 2025

Inspiring Future Makers by Supporting QEST

Stoke-on-Trent based ceramic brand 1882 Ltd. has unveiled 100 Years, 60 Designers & 1 Future, a landmark collection of 61 plates available via an online auction. This year marks a century since King George V granted Stoke-on-Trent city status, and the project celebrates that legacy through a collaboration with 60 leading creatives and Emily Johnson, co-founder and creative director of 1882 Ltd., alongside her team of master potters at their factory in Barlaston. Together, the plates showcase the work of the amazing potters whose talent, experience and skills continue to keep Stoke’s pottery industry alive today.

In the mix are British fashion designers Zandra Rhodes and Giles Deacon; artists Bruce McLean, Hayden Kays and Barnaby Barford; musicians Maxim, Robbie Williams; architects John Pawson and Amanda Levete; designers Barber & Osgerby, Faye Toogood and Yinka Ilori; Oscar-winning set designer Shona Heath and costume designer Sandy Powell; and interior designers Sophie Ashby and Natalia Miyar.

The collection is being auctioned online until 21 September 2025, with proceeds funding a new trainee scheme at 1882 Ltd. ensuring the invaluable skills of Stoke’s artisans not only survive but thrive, while 15% will go to QEST, supporting our Making the Future campaign to inspire the next generation of makers. A limited-edition run of unsigned plates will also be available to buy after the auction.

Bid online here until Sunday 21 September.

Exhibitions in London and Stoke-on-Trent

The Collection is on display at Fortnum & Mason, London, until 21 September as part of their Fortnum & Makers programme, which platforms British craftsmanship. Jo Newton, Buying Director at Fortnum & Mason, says: “Fortnum & Mason have always championed making in the UK via our Fortnum & Makers programme, which platforms British makers and craftspeople. Given our love for tea, Fortnum’s has a particular interest in supporting ceramics craftsmanship in Stoke-on-Trent, hoping to support and protect the heritage craft for the next generation.”

The collection is also on show at The Potteries Museum & Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, until the 7 December 2025 as part of the city’s centenary celebrations. As Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council says: “This world-class exhibition is a huge coup and a fitting centrepiece to our Centenary celebrations because creativity and ceramics are at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s story, and this event celebrates both in the best possible way.” Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

^{For each plate, an illustration, drawing, creative graphic, handwritten script or painting has been donated by the artist or creative and then translated by 1882 Ltd.’s team of artisans onto a fine bone china plate through hand painting, decal application and hand finishing.}

Full List of Contributors

Alice Johnson, Anna Jones & Kate Sessions, Amanda Levete, Amy J Hughes, Annie Warburton, Barber Osgerby, Brogan Cox, Barnaby Barford, Becky Sunshine, Bethan Gray, Bethan Laura Wood, Bruce McLean, Christopher Howe, Clementine Keith Roach, Completed Works, Dom Lippa, Edmund Davies, Eliza Higginbottom of Yunus & Eliza, Emma Cook, Faye Toogood, Fiona McCarthy, Gary Card, Gemma Holt, Giles Deacon, Giuseppe Parrinello, Hal Haines, Hayden Kays, Henry Holland, Jake Johnson Davies, John Booth, John Pawson, Kerry J Dean, Keith Dawson, Lee Broom, Marcel Wanders, Mark Cocksedge, Martino Gamper, Martyn Thompson, Max Lamb, Maxim, Michelle Jank, Natalia Miyar, Neil Brownsword, Neville Brody, Peter Marigold, Orla Read, Pinch, Richard Bell, Robbie Williams, Rory Dobner, Sandy Powell, Shona Heath, Sophie Ashby, Sophie Lee, Tom Dixon, Willow Kemp, TEJ, Yinka Ilori, Zandra Rhodes, Zebedee Helm.