Emma Bridgewater grew up in Oxford, After studying English at London University, she joined a small knitwear firm, but soon realised that what she really wanted to do was start her own company. Emma sketched out a mug, bowl and jug, and found a pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British pottery, to make them up. She then set about decorating them using cut-out sponges – a traditional technique that was to become her signature style. The designs were snapped up by Liberty, Harrods, and The General Trading Co, and Emma Bridgewater Ltd was born.As the company grew, Emma was determined to keep production of the pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, and in 1996, bought a Victorian factory there. In 2016 Emma was appointed President of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).