Alison Appleton

Alison designed her British Ceramic Design Studio in 1998, from which she created a range of high quality tea & coffee products sold in John Lewis, Harrods, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrell, Zara Home, Fortnum & Mason and Marks & Spencer. She is also a 'name' designer at La Cafetiere. She firmly believes that a good cup of tea is something to take time over, to savour and to give your full attention. A tea break should be just that; switch off the phone, relax and enjoy fine quality loose leaf tea, from the loveliest crockery you can find. Now retailing her own collections, Alison puts fellow tea lovers firmly at the heart of the design process, with elegant practical products presented in gorgeous packaging. Good tea and teaware should be a gift, either to oneself, or to others. Alison has travelled widely and forged international partnerships, but is particularly inspired by Oriental tea culture. A key partner is Mr Liu, from Dehua in Fujian Province, China. As an expert in ancient Chinese ceramics, and something of an alchemist, he knows how to create the fine finishes and the bespoke glazes her collections require. Alison believes that there is no place in Britain, for the third rate teabag (although she is partial to a drop of builders brew on occasion) and that wherever possible, your teapot should always match your dress!