What inspired you to start your business/brand?

The Original Gluggle Jug dates back to the 1870s, so I definitely can’t claim it as my brainchild, but I can tell you a little about the history of the brand and how we became the proud guardians of this icon of British design.

The Gluggle Jug was originally designed by Thomas Forester & Sons, a pottery manufacturer in Staffordshire, and has passed through various manufacturers within the ceramics industry, notably Dartmouth Pottery (who many credit for making Gluggle Jug a household name) and Wade Ceramics (more on them later!). It was while Dartmouth were producing the jugs, that they became coveted collectibles and were marketed using the slogan ‘A jug that Gurgles’. Dartmouth were ahead of the curve with their marketing tactics, getting the Jug in the hands of tastemakers and influencers, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, as well as engaging with brands on partnership activity -  Plymouth Gin used Gluggle Jugs to advertise their liquor. In the early 2000s, Dartmouth Pottery closed and the manufacturing of the Gluggle Jug returned to its home of Staffordshire with Wade Ceramics, where it stayed for the next 20 years. It was during this time that I had my first meeting with a Gluggle Jug, over lunch at the home of a British friend in Berlin. As we sat down for lunch my friend offered me some water and as she lifted the jug away from my glass the most wonderful gurgling noise filled the air. Everyone around the table dissolved into peals of laughter and we asked the hostess where we could get one. She introduced us to the ‘Gluggle Jug’ and before long we all got our hands on one of our very own. I had a hunch their appeal was much wider than just my group of friends so I sought out a contact at Wade Ceramics and became the European distributor. In 2022, a twist of fate saw my brother and I take the reins of the global Gluggle Jug brand and we vowed to keep the story of this cultural icon going. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

What are your brand’s values?

Supporting craftsmanship - The Original Gluggle Jug is still handcrafted by our brilliant team in the heart of the potteries in Stoke-on-Trent. Each jug is made by our skilled craftspeople in a time-honoured fashion before being hand finished and checked to make sure our customers are delighted with their new gurgling fishy friend!

Preserving historic design – The shape of the Original Gluggle Jug hasn’t changed for over 150 years and we want that to be the case for the next 150 years (at least!). To this day, we have kept the original shape from the original mold and we are so proud to continue the legacy of this celebrated design icon.

Marrying trend and tradition – The shape hasn’t changed BUT The Original Gluggle Jug has moved with the times! Now available in a variety of bold colours, a range of sizes and featuring on some carefully considered product extensions, this timeless curiosity is a beautiful and useful thing- whether it’s used as a vase, a water jug or to hold wooden spoons beside the hob- it’s a welcome guest in any home, regardless of the style.

 

What is your biggest motivation?

My biggest motivation is our brilliant Gluggle Jug team. We employ 45 people at the factory in Stoke-on-Trent and we want to continue to bring our joyful Gluggle Jugs to homes across the world from the home of British ceramics.

 

Where did the inspiration for your product(s) come from?

We’d need to ask Thomas Forrester & Sons who came up with the original design in 1870! The amazing thing about the Gluggle Jug is it’s totally timeless. While the design is very much ‘of the era’ – Victorian design often featured nature-inspired motifs and animal forms – it’s also totally fitting for today. When it comes to the inspiration behind our new Gluggle Jug products- the tiny jugs, our cards and candles- the inspiration comes back to that first jug, and celebrating its form in ways we know the customer will love.

 

What has been a highlight whilst creating and building your brand?

Where do I start? There’s a highlight in each and every day! I still get a buzz every time I arrive at the factory and see the rows and rows of colourful jugs waiting to be sent to their new homes and I just love seeing the pictures we’re tagged in on Instagram - some of our followers have curated wild Gluggle Jug collections! I’m also looking forward to 2025, which is the Stoke-on-Trent Centenary, and the plans we have to celebrate…

 

What advice would you give to business owners, creators, designers, and brand owners just starting out? 

My advice would be stay focused and don’t try and spread yourself too thinly. At Gluggle Jug we know what we’re great at and we’ve leant into that. We create these beautiful, joyful, gurling jugs in lots of shapes and sizes and we haven’t strayed too far from the original idea. I believe in focus, moving carefully and failing fast!

 

At the Spring/Summer edition of Top Drawer, did you launch any new collections?

We’ve got some exciting new launches happening this year. We know our jugs bring joy - to look at and to listen to - but as of 2025, they’re set to also bring light! We launched our Gluggle Jug candles and everybody loved them! We also showcased our existing Original Gluggle Jug collection with some new colours, but pictures don’t gurgle, be sure to head to our website to see and hear for yourselves!

 

What is your personal favorite from your new collection?

How can I pick a favourite?! I love all our Gluggle Jugs in equal measure!