Interview DB Ceramic Founder Deborah Brett
Brett also founded DB Ceramic, her eponymous and constantly evolving dinnerware line, with each piece designed by Brett then produced and handfinished at a family-run factory in Stoke-on-Trent, with local artisans trained to recreate Brett’s signature, special glazes. We caught up with the endlessly creative Brett to find out more about how she mastered a new skill mid-career, trusting your instincts – and of course, what she’s hoping to find in her Christmas stocking this year.
THE WICK: What does a typical Monday morning look like for you?
Deborah Brett: After an early morning school drop and a strength training session with my PT it’s down to meetings with my dbCeramic team. Monday is my office day. It’s where my team meet up, pour a long coffee and discuss everything that is happening that week.
TW: Your career has evolved from fashion editor to ceramicist, how did you make this transition?
CR: I’d been working as a fashion editor for over 20 years and had had my third child. I knew the industry back to front and wanted a new challenge. That idea dawned on me that my kids were learning new things every day but it felt id stopped. So I set about about trying out lots of different skills to see what resonated with me. And it was ceramics that I fell in love with.
TW: What’s the one lesson you’ve carried over from fashion to your ceramics work?
DB: I’m so surprised at how transferable my fashion skills are with my ceramics. An obvious one, is taking my styling experience and moving it into home wear. No reluctant models, but some testy table linen in stead. But it’s my eye for colour and pattern that really shines through. And trusting my eye, knowing when it feels right.
TW: Why do you think there is an increased interest in artisan craftsmanship – How do you see the role of handmade ceramics evolving?
DB: I think with so many mass market brands churning out more and more products, people are searching for uniqueness. Something that is bespoke, just for them. My ceramics are all hand made and glazed using my bubble technique where each piece is individually decorated blowing bubbles. It means every piece is a one off and allows for customers to build their own collection. You can feel the energy in them, and I think that’s what appeals, you can feel how alive the pieces are.
“My ceramics are all hand made and glazed using my bubble technique where each piece is individually decorated blowing bubbles.”
Deborah Brett
