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An Interview with Emily Johnson of 1882 Ltd
When it comes to blending centuries-old craftsmanship with bold, modern design, Emily Johnson of 1882 Ltd. is in a league of her own. As the fifth generation of the Johnson Brothers family, who revolutionized the ceramics industry in Stoke-on-Trent, Emily is continuing the legacy with a fresh, playful, and fearless approach.
From creating ceramic chairs with Max Lamb to producing pieces that make even the most traditional dinner tables blush (hello, kitchen knobs!), Emily brings a mix of elegance, eccentricity, and humor to everything she makes.
We sat down with Emily to talk about the wildest ideas she’s brought to life, what Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage means to her, and why tube lining might just be the most underrated technique out there. Plus, find out what she’d create for Maison Flâneur—and her surprisingly eclectic playlist picks.
Let’s dive into the mind behind one of the UK’s most exciting ceramics brands.
By Lara Silva

Stoke-on-Trent is the ceramics capital. How does being part of that legacy shape your work?
The legacy is what drives us forward. It is absolutely essential for us to be part of the sixth generation of potters (I am fifth) and so while there is great heritage we must stay vital and so yes, legacy is all encompassing.
What’s one weird or wonderful technique from the region that’s totally underrated?
Tube lining – like cake decorating but a far more complex and skilled art form.
Blending traditional craftsmanship with bold design—what’s your secret?
Go big or go home

Three Images that define you and your style
Crockery with Max Lamb
Walla Crag of Venus with Giles Deacon
The Pope Wall Art with Robbie Williams
Colour, elegance and eccentricty
If the Johnson Brothers could see 1882 Ltd. today, what would they say? (And what piece would you proudly show off to impress them?)
My grandfather (who was the greatest potter) would think I was bonkers for what we are doing as a factory but at the same time be completely on the same page. He would be incredibly proud of what we have created and that we are pushing the bounds of the material that he so loved and he would sit on our ceramic chair with Max Lamb and smoke a pipe as if it was the most normal seat in the world.




If 1882 Ltd. were a playlist, would it be classical, experimental, or a mashup of both?
What an awesome question.
We would be Prodigy, Ludovico Einaudi, Depeche Mode, Michael Nyman, Robbie Williams, Sophie Ellis-Bexter with Let’s Eat Grandma – oh and Rage Against the Machine with Billie Eilish.
What’s the wildest idea you’ve turned into a ceramic piece—and did it actually work?
A ceramic chair with Max Lamb.
You’ve worked with amazing artists and designers. If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who’s top of your wish list?
Lucie Rie and Hans Coper together.
Patricia Urquiola
Rei Kawakubo
Tilda Swinton
Rick Owens




What’s one piece you’ve made that’s sparked the most conversation around the dinner table?
Our set of Kitchen Knobs – they are a set of kitchen accessories that are based on dildos. Every time I say they are gift that keeps on giving it gets a laugh.
If you could create a dream ceramic piece for Maison Flâneur, what would it look like (and can we call dibs)?
The ultimate center piece of the table. The sharing platters that are made as one that display the food perfectly but also adorns the table magnificently.
What does the word Flâneur mean to you?
An observer but to me it is participatory and not as an outsider.
So a wonderful host.
SHOP
Emily Johnson's Flâneur picks
