Victoria Eggs, designer and founder of gift and homeware brand Victoria Eggs Ltd, explains why it’s so important to support and celebrate authentic British design and craftsmanship.
There’s something quietly powerful about turning over a mug and seeing those four magical words “Made in the UK.” Those little words carry centuries of skill, heritage, and pride – exactly the kind of craftsmanship that can’t be rushed or replicated. But today, that phrase can sometimes be misleading.
More and more, when the Victoria Eggs team turns over products to check the backstamp (which is always the first thing we do!), we’re seeing phrases like “Designed in the UK” and “Hand Decorated in the UK.” This isn’t the same thing.
We’ve noticed that this once-proud phrase is being used more and more loosely, and stamped on products that were designed or packaged here, but made thousands of miles away.
On a recent visit to Duchess China, our ceramics manufacturer in Stoke-on-Trent, I was awestruck by the care, attention and detail that every single person brings to the process. Every mug passes through more than 20 pairs of hands before it’s finished. Each and every stage is an act of skill, patience and pride. These craftspeople are keeping traditions alive, but the difficult truth is that Britain’s pottery heartland is under real pressure.
At its peak, Stoke-on-Trent was the beating heart of British ceramics, employing nearly 50,000 people in the industry. By 2025, that number has fallen to fewer than 5,000. The cost of production has soared, with energy alone making up as much as 20% of the cost to fire a single plate. These rising pressures have already forced closures, including the iconic Moorcroft Pottery, and have left many others struggling to survive.
Sadly, the industry isn’t appealing to younger people either, so these long-held traditions are at risk of being lost forever once the skilled hands (and wonderful characters) that hold them retire. With fewer apprentices and limited training opportunities, it’s becoming harder to pass on the knowledge that has shaped British ceramics for generations.
Rediscovering the Value of Craft
We want to support the industry we hold so dear, and to shine a light on the makers still producing here, championing products that are genuinely Made in the UK. Because when we choose authenticity, we’re not just buying beautiful things, we’re investing in heritage, craft, and a future where these skills can thrive.
According to Made in Britain’s 2024 survey, half of UK consumers prefer to buy products genuinely made here, and more than half are happy to pay more for them. The Crafts Council has also reported that over 10 million people now buy handmade goods online – that’s three times more than a decade ago. That’s a huge vote of confidence in authenticity, sustainability, and local craft.
Cultural Enterprises and Provenance
Museum shops and cultural venues are uniquely placed to lead the charge for authenticity. Visitors want souvenirs that reflect the history and spirit of the places they’ve just explored, and what better way to do that than through genuinely British-made craft?
When a customer takes home a mug made in Stoke-on-Trent, they’re not just buying a keepsake; they’re carrying a piece of living heritage. Every sale becomes part of the larger story about sustainability, provenance, and pride in British design.
That’s why I believe partnerships between cultural enterprises and authentic UK makers can make a real impact. Provenance doesn’t just add value, it also deepens connection.
Collaboration is Key
This movement isn’t about one particular brand or one region. It’s about collaboration across our creative industries. We’re working closely with The Giftware Association, along with makers, retailers, and heritage organisations, to raise awareness of what “Made in the UK” truly means.
By coming together, we can share knowledge, amplify each other’s voices, and give buyers and consumers the tools to make more informed choices. Transparency builds trust, and that trust builds loyalty.
Get Involved
Our campaign to champion British craft is only just beginning, and collaboration is key to its success. We’re inviting British designers, makers, and retailers to join us as we work to celebrate authenticity, preserve traditional skills, and strengthen UK manufacturing. With exciting plans already underway for 2026, now is the time to come together and make a real impact across our creative industries.
For partnership opportunities or to learn more about the campaign, please contact info@victoriaeggs.com
And next time you pick up a piece of pottery, whether it’s in a museum shop, local gallery, or your favourite independent store, just take a moment to turn it over. Read the backstamp. Ask where it was made. Because every authentic mark represents more than provenance, it stands for people, pride, and purpose.
Every piece from Victoria Eggs is lovingly made here in the UK by those who care as deeply about quality and craftsmanship as we do. Each one proudly carries the words “Made in the UK” because it truly is, and always will be.
Find out more at victoriaeggs.com
