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Picture Books and Tableware | John Burningham Meets POTPURRI
Welcome to the world of John Burningham.
Our collaboration began with a suggestion from an acquaintance: could we bring John Burningham's picture books to the table through ceramics?
We usually draw our own designs, so adapting an already complete picture-book world into tableware felt like a bold new step.
But his endearing animals, delicate colours and stories that speak differently to us as adults made the idea irresistible. How lovely it would be to bring a little of that world to the table.
Which moments should we choose? Which techniques could convey the warmth of the books? Through repeated trials, we kept the collection deliberately small, giving each piece its own part of the story.
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BORKA — Reflecting the beautiful landscapes of the book.
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Mr Gumpy’s Outing — Sharing gentle moments between people and animals.
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ALDO — Drawing on the story's memorable colours and motifs.
A plate for breakfast toast, a cup for afternoon tea, a meal shared with someone close: we hope John Burningham's stories find a place in these ordinary moments.
The collection aims to bring the excitement of turning a page, and the freedom of a child's imagination, into everyday life.
Take your time exploring John Burningham's world through these pieces.
BORKA
Borka is a goose born without feathers who finds a place where she can belong. We have drawn on the warmth of her story to create tableware for everyday use.
A cup with the depth of copperplate-transfer decoration; plates with contrasting glazes that suggest water and grassland; glasses whose pictures come together when filled. Each piece was developed with care so that food and drink help bring the story to life.
Characters stepping out of the picture book
Mr Gumpy's Outing
Loved across generations, the Mr Gumpy books show friendships forming naturally among children and animals. This collection brings that warm companionship to the everyday table.
The plates feature familiar characters as though they have stepped out of the story. Layers of Japanese and Western ceramic colours give the plants and waterside backgrounds rich gradations and the depth particular to pottery.
A small story in everyday life
ALDO
ALDO tells the story of a girl and a treasured friend whom only she can see.
We chose two small details as our main motifs: the girl's yellow clothes and Aldo's checked scarf.
A special technique allows the colours to blend softly into the matt surface, giving it a warm, handmade character. Look closely at the wreath on the glass and you will find a tiny Aldo hidden there too.
Which page will you display today?
Poster & Frame
The delightful illustrations and distinctive lettering of John Burningham's ABC are full of humour and his wonderfully free imagination.
We wanted these images to feel at home in everyday surroundings, so we made them into framed prints that fit easily into a room.
Enjoy an illustration one day, the character of the lettering another. Choosing the image that suits your mood becomes part of the pleasure.
Like opening a favourite picture book
As easily as taking a favourite book from the shelf, bring a small story to your everyday table.
Toast and coffee on a busy morning, or a quiet cup of tea in the afternoon: a favourite piece of tableware can make these familiar moments feel a little more special.
We hope your day unfolds with the warmth of a much-loved picture book. Enjoy making your own story around the table.