Behind the designs: Kit Kemp for Spode
Here at Spode, we’re all about expression, challenging the boundaries with pattern and colour, and encouraging you to find your unique sense of style with our collections. And our latest collaboration with award-winning interior designer, Kit Kemp, is certainly no different. Read on to delve a little deeper into the extraordinary world of Kit Kemp for Spode.
Forever inspired by the world around her, mixing a little bit of imagination with a generous dash of daring, Kit Kemp, like Spode, is all about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. With 250 years of design and craftsmanship behind us and Kit Kemp’s passion for craft intertwined with her unique eye for detail and design, this collaboration is a match made in heaven.
“To have the opportunity to work with Spode is an ambition come true. It also felt like a perfect collaboration. The traditional side of Spode given a Kit Kemp twist – a wonderful combination!”, agrees Kit.
Together, we have created a beautiful mix and match collection that showcases objects lovingly made for the home. The collection allows you to create endless combinations for laying a table, each time telling a different story.
Transforming the designs from pattern to ceramics
Luckily for us, when it came to choosing designs for the collaboration Kit had a vast selection to choose from. “To begin with, Spode explored all our different designs and picked out their favourites. From here I then had a good idea what the collection needed to include, but you soon realise when you transform the design to a plate it is very, very different!”, says Kit.
“The way we design at Kit Kemp is quite organic. When you’re designing a room, you might start with a fabric that you absolutely love and then things branch out and work from that. But working on a ceramic collection has given us a whole new point of reference and somewhere to be inspired”, explains Willow, Kit's daughter and designer of the Doodles collection.
Transforming textile patterns to ceramics doesn't come without its complexities. Once the initial patterns were chosen for the collection, Spode’s technical design team used their expertise to scale the patterns to the size of the ceramic pieces, ensuring the placement worked for each shape, were in proportion, and worked seamlessly when all the ceramics were laid out together. From here, designs were able to be tweaked and smaller details, such as patterned rims or handles, could be deliberated.
“We had our ideas, but the Spode team are so clever in knowing what is possible. They know their shapes, so they were able to guide us. And from there we were able to use our creative skills to create something to complement”, adds Willow. “It’s so satisfying to see how my hand-drawn sketches have been translated onto the collection for everyone to enjoy. The subtle details, marks and nuances really bring every piece to life.”
A true collaboration, expertise was shared from start to finish across the world between London, Stoke-on-Trent and the USA, to create a unique collection full of imagination.
Inspiration for the Kit Kemp for Spode designs
Did you know? The Tall Trees tableware collection is inspired by Kit’s wallpaper design of the same name, which adorns the walls of the Charlotte Street Hotel in London. The pattern draws inspiration from Kit’s love of long walks through the countryside on misty mornings. The hand painted woodland setting has been applied across dinner plates, side plates, bowls, platters and vases and has been designed to style alone or in combination with the sleek graphics and contemporary colours of Geo.
“This is an informal, very versatile collection and it is the colours of nature”, explains Kit. “If you look at each piece it’s so beautiful, it works so well in so many situations, from early morning through to late at night.”
To complement your table setting, the Flow glassware collection has been designed. Inspired by traditional Georgian Rummer glasses, the collection features soft lines and low stems. Easy to hold and charming to style on your table, the glasses are perfect for any occasion, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Doodles, a fun collection of ceramics featuring colourful sketches, has been designed by Willow Kemp to celebrate uplifting everyday moments. “The designs are based on personal experiences, but I wanted the collection to appeal to everyone, to be relatable, although they're personal to me.” Willow explains.
“So, for example, the ‘Sweet Spot’ design on one of the Doodles Tidbit plates is of someone sitting in front of their sofa on the floor just like I like to do. But there might be someone who thinks, “oh, my best friend does that. I've got to get them that mug.” And that's a little joke between us. The beauty of this collection is that each person will put a different meaning to the different illustration.”
The collection also features a selection of Alphabet mugs inspired by the illuminated letters that often decorated historic manuscripts. Each richly coloured mug features a letter illustrated with an array of fantastical creatures, offering a Kit Kemp twist to the ancient art of illuminated letters. There is also a range of photo frames for the home, all timelessly designed but with their own special detailing. Cabana frames with their colourful edges take inspiration from Kit’s island retreat in the Caribbean, while the Ribbed frames are inspired by the woven textiles that make up Kit’s interior collections, and Cabochon with its domed gold accents give a nod to the hardware that adorns many of Kit’s beautiful furniture collections.
Blending Spode’s iconic craftsmanship with Kit Kemp’s design expertise, together we’ve created a beautiful collection of tableware, homeware and gifts that add colour, intrigue and a touch of the extraordinary to the home.