Style Insider

As she celebrates her 25th year at Moorcroft, we talk to Rachel Bishop about designing ceramics for a new generation of collectors

I was brought up in the New Forest, where my mum was a passionate gardener. I was always surrounded by beautiful and unusual flowers, which have been a huge influence on my designs. I then completed a BA in Ceramic Design at university, and worked at a community pottery for young adults with special needs during the holidays. After university I joined Moorcroft as sole designer and I haven’t looked back since.

My role as Senior Designer at Moorcroft is to continue the timeless designs that make Moorcroft the leading art pottery in the world. The designs are the face of the company, so it’s a huge responsibility, but also an honour.

A typical day is usually spent designing in my studio, with my dogs, and listening to Kate Rusby’s music. I draw directly onto the clay pots and then paint a watercolour of how the $nished pieces will look. Or sometimes I will be in the factory, overlooking designs as they are being trialled and signing the underglaze of the limited-edition pieces.

I take inspiration from !owers, but also the work of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts era. I also love Edward Burne-Jones stained glass and anything art nouveau.

My favourite part of the job is creating new designs – it’s a tactile process working directly onto a 3D clay form.

To celebrate my 25th year at Moorcroft I have designed a new collection: A Silver Salute. My favourite design is called Hazel Bishop (pictured above le#) and is a tribute to my late mother. The piece shares her name and depicts a dahlia !ower that she cultivated. We are also holding a retrospective event at the Moorcroft factory where I’m looking forward to welcoming our collectors, some of whom have supported me from day one.

01782 820500; moorcroft.com