To mark their 200th anniversary, iconic British brand Royal Doulton, have launched six new collections that bring together influences from urban street art to historical British events. We took a sneak peek at each collection and chatted to the designers about their inspiration, their design process and why they’re just a little excited about being part of the Royal Doulton 200 Years Collection!
Royal Doulton 1815
As one of the most successful and recognisable collections in the Royal Doulton portfolio, the aptly named 1815 proudly marks 200 years of ceramic tableware and interior pieces. “The story of 1815 is a great one as many of the aesthetics were developed after researching past techniques from Royal Doulton,” explains Royal Doulton designer Dik Delaney. “Key characteristics such as the dipped glazes give each piece a slightly different finish.”
Pure Evil
Internationally renowned street artist Pure Evil (Charles Uzzell-Edwards) has built his global fan base by creating masterpieces for the public to enjoy. Pure Evil’s sinister, yet oddly cute, three-legged bunnies come to life as 3D figurines, all finished in a distinctive pattern, including blue spots, gold or black and blue camo print. “I like how Royal Doulton have embraced street art culture,” says Pure Evil. “I think they get it and realise what a significant art movement it is. They’re not just jumping on a short-lived trend, I think it comes from a real love and appreciation of the art movement that Nick Walker and I are privileged to be standard bearers for.”
Nick Walker
Street artist Nick Walker gained recognition for introducing stencilled street art to Bristol in the early 1980s. Now, through state of the art 3D scanning and printing technology his signature character, the bowler-hatted vandal, has been brought to life in ceramic form. “We did the scanning with me holding the tin of paint dressed as the vandal,” says Nick. “It was an interesting process and super quick. I can see why it’s being used by Royal Doulton. With 3D scanning pretty much anything can be realised!”
Charlene Mullen
Successful homewares designer Charlene Mullen has worked closely with Royal Doulton for her popular tableware collection, London Calling. For the 200th anniversary, Charlene built on this well-known core collection, creating a centrepiece consisting of storage and serve items in a bold ‘city- scape’, aptly named Little London. “I began working with Royal Doulton in January 2013 and the time has flown by,” explains Charlene. “It is definitely a collaboration as this is my first time working with ceramics. My business is pattern and Royal Doulton’s design team really know how to transfer this onto ceramics.”
Barber & Osgerby
An exciting new partnership with highly acclaimed designers Barber & Osgerby, the striking debut collection Olio, features tableware, serveware and cutlery. It combines Royal Doulton’s heritage and experience with Barber & Osgerby’s renowned design aesthetic. “Olio is an incredibly ambitious collection of tableware pieces that are designed for everyday use,” says Jay Osgerby (one half of Barber & Osgerby). “The range is built from a combination of materials and surface finishes: ceramics, wood, stainless steel, different clays, glazed and unglazed elements.”
HemingwayDesign
Working across all design disciplines from housing and interiors, to graphics and product design, the new HemingwayDesign collection sees the focus fall solely on ceramics. Statement vases make up a large part of the collection, alongside smaller items such as decorative storage jars, tealight holders and mini jugs. “Royal Doulton are open to collaborations which allow for varied collections and different aesthetics,” explains HemingwayDesign co-founder Tilly Hemingway. “They are not stuck in their ways!”