The Emma Bridgewater pottery has released its first photos showing its hand-painted commemorative items to mark the King’s upcoming coronation.
The collection includes small plates, crowns, teapots and mugs produced with the brand’s famous sponge-printed motifs.
The company based in Stoke-on-Trent is gearing up production and expects ‘big demand’ from collectors, royalists and members of the public in the run up to the event in May.
Stephen Beeston, head of production, said: ‘It’s very special, we have a longstanding history and tradition in the pottery industry of commemorative royal events.
‘It’s been a pleasure to be involved in marking King Charles III and the coronation.’
A pottery decorator adds detail to King Charles III themed mugs during the production of hand-decorated pieces from the forthcoming Coronation collection, at the Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory in Stoke on Trent
He added: ‘We are expecting a big demand and probably, if history is anything to go by, with the events that we’ve marked before, it will account for a big part of what we’re doing.’
The pottery has strong links with the Royal family, with Charles being a regular visitor.
In 2017, the future King also unveiled a plaque in Stoke designed by Emma Bridgewater commemorating his visit to the Prince’s Trust.
And he also visited the nearby Middleport Pottery, which he helped save from closure in 2011.
In 2015, Kate Middleton, the now Princess of Wales, also visited the works.
Mr Beeston said the royal family held a ‘held a very special place here in our hearts at Emma Bridgewater’.
He added: ‘He [the king] does have an interest in everything that we’re doing.
‘The pottery industry has a longstanding tradition producing commemorative ware that goes back probably to the mid-17th century.
A pottery decorator adding details to one of the plates being made for the upcoming coronation
Charles III themed mugs on display at the Emma Bridgewater factory in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
A King Charles III themed teapot on display during the production of hand-decorated pieces from the forthcoming Coronation collection
A pottery decorator adds detail to King Charles III themed plates during the production of the pieces at the Stoke factory
One for the collectors: A pottery decorator adds detail to the plates made to mark the forthcoming coronation
A crown on display during the production of hand-decorated pieces at the Emma Bridgewater factory
Sponge stamps are crafted during the production of the pieces which are soon to go on sale to the public
Crowning glory: One of the pieces is a Charles III themed crown, which will be available to buy before the big day
‘We have the heritage here, we have the expertise, and we’re very proud to be associated with the royal family.’
The factory has been creating porcelain designs marking important royal events for years, including most recently for the death of the Queen in 2022.
These newest items are expected to go on sale before the coronation – the first of a British monarch in 70 years – which will take place on May 6.
The coronation, however, has been beset with difficulties.
It is yet unclear whether Prince Harry will attend, while it is also uncertain if Meghan Markle’s legal ‘minefield’ could overshadow the event.
Her half-sister Samantha has accused her of defaming her in order to ‘cover up’ her ‘false rags-to-riches’ narrative.
The coronation after concert has also been dealt a huge blow after both Adele and Ed Sheeran turned down invitations to take part.
The Mail on Sunday has revealed that the pair were asked to perform after the monarch discussed with organisers his hopes that they would appear.
But both Sheeran and Adele have said they were busy and unable to play at the Windsor Castle event on May 7, the day after the King is crowned at Westminster Abbey.
A source involved with the project said: ‘The King has suggested a number of people he would like to perform and Adele and Ed were on that list. He was very keen that they were part of the concert.
‘There is a team set up to get the talent signed up so they approached the two of them, but got replies saying that they were unavailable, which was a massive disappointment.
‘They are titans of the showbiz industry and are quintessentially British but also known across the globe. It’s such a shame.’
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