In Conversation with Chloë - John Julian

Our latest conversation is with the team at Potter John Julian, responsible for designing our beautiful, bespoke pots for the John Julian X Bramley Winter candles. Join us as they tell us a bit more about their creative process...

Can you tell us a little about John Julian and how it started?

John Julian is a pottery studio and workshop based in rural Wiltshire, U.K. Established in 2013 by sculptor and designer Julian Sainsbury, John Julian produces handmade luxury tableware, serveware and kitchenware, made in small batches by skilled potters. Coming from a background as a successful sculptor, Julian combines classical influences with a pared-back utilitarian style to create sculptural, functional objects. Known most notably for his iconic pestle and mortars which are popular with leading chefs and cooks including Nigel Slater and Nigella Lawson.

What is your mission and how do your designs and product collections align with this?

At John Julian we value craftsmanship and longevity. Julian’s designs are made to last a lifetime and work in different styled homes, from a rural country cottage to a Hoxton apartment rather than follow fashion trends.

Can you tell us about your process?

The clay we use is dug in Cornwall and mixed in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of British Pottery.
We are very lucky to have a small, strong team at John Julian who work together to make the business the growing success it is. A team of 4 skilled makers, who craft each piece by hand using traditional techniques to create our pieces to Julian’s designs.
We have loved collaborating with Bramley, a business that aligns on many levels with John Julian.
To make the Porcelain candle holders for Bramley, the clay goes through several stages. Initially each vessel is hand thrown on the wheel then when they are leather hard, which is four to five days after they are thrown, they are turned to a more refined shape with excess clay removed. Then the hand painted line and the B stamp is added. These are then slowly dried until bone dry, at which point they are glazed and then fired over two days ready to be filled by Bramley.

How do you approach sustainability?

We are incredibly passionate about caring for our planet and limiting our environmental impact and always looking at ways to improve our practices. We’re a member of the British Ceramic Confederation and Julian is a part of the Energy and Emissions Group, which is working towards net zero emissions by 2050.

We were early adaptors in reducing our plastic in packaging and are very careful when it comes to choosing our packaging, we make it as eco-friendly as possible using cardboard that can be recycled, composted or re-used.

To somebody interested in trying pottery themselves, where would you recommend they start?

A pottery workshop or evening class is a great way to start. They give the opportunity to learn the basics and try different techniques.

Finally, what is your favourite Bramley product and why?

Our team love Bramley products. The Little B range is very popular with our team members with small children.

The John Julian X Bramley Winter Candles are available for a limited time this season.