VICTORIA EGGS MOVES CERAMIC PRODUCTION TO DUCHESS CHINA 1888 Victoria Eggs is hugely excited to be working with one of the oldest potteries in the UK, Duchess China 1888, to manufacture all their ceramics. Made entirely in the UK the products are hand-crafted using Cornish clay in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the heart of the ‘Potteries’. Using traditional craftsmanship, up to 20 pairs of hands can be involved in making each product. This includes attaching every mug handle skilfully by hand. Victoria Eggs is hugely passionate about UK made products and sustainability and is very excited by this new partnership. “After visiting Duchess China in 2021 and seeing how they skilfully turn a bag clay into beautiful pieces of fine bone china, I couldn’t wait to start working with them on producing the new Platinum Jubilee collection and existing lines.” trade.victoriaeggs.com TOY BRAND LILLIPUTIENS LAUNCHES IN THE UK Toy brand Lilliputiens is thrilled to bring a whole new world of wonders to the UK. Originating in Belgium, the inspired and enchanting toy brand is thrilled to launch its much-loved range to the British market this spring. One product collection destined to be a best seller over here is the charming and multifunctional ‘My First Farm’ and ‘Noah’s Ark’. Like all Lilliputiens toys, what you see isn’t just what you get as these timeless and thoughtful toys offer a wonderful world of discovery, sparking little imaginations and bringing so much more to playtime. Reimagining children’s favourite toys and games, the brand prides itself on its core beliefs that every toy should be smart, sparkling, innovative and support bonding for every child. New to John Lewis this spring, the engaging My First Farm, will teach little ones all about important farm life in a truly charming way, as well as Noah’s Ark, a delightful collection of soft toys that tell the traditional story of Noah and his Ark full of animals! My First Farm includes six classic farmyard animals: Ignace the donkey, Simon the pig, Rosalie the cow, Yvon the sheep, Paulette the chicken and Gaspard the duck! Of course, these four-legged creatures are well looked after by Farmer Fons, who drives around on his trusty tractor whilst caring for the lively livestock. Suitable from 18 months, children will enjoy discovering the cheerful hustle and bustle of life on the farm, making up countless stories and learning as they go! As children’s confidence and ability grows, they are also encouraged to think where in the farm each animal should live, as the pull-down farm wall features the different characters habitats, such as a pond for Gaspard the duck and a muddy zone for Simon the Pig! Further to this, the colourful farm is easy to transport anywhere, thanks to the handy closure clasp and handle. Another hero product in the collection, Lilliputiens’ Noah’s Ark Soft Toy Set comes jampacked with 12 animals, Noah himself and his wife, and very importantly to the story, Noah’s Ark! Suitable for children of 18 months plus, this delightful set includes exciting compartments and activities for little learners to explore. This adorable group of toys is perfect for endless creative play and of course, inspiring love of all furry friends – great and small! www.lilliputiens.be/en/ ENESCO ACQUIRES ALLEN DESIGNS Enesco LLC is pleased to announce the completion of its acquisition of Allen Designs, a growing creative and whimsical international branded line of quality and functional products sold by retailers around the world. Leading the continued development and execution of her brand will be creator and designer Michelle Allen, who joins the Enesco Team. Commenting on the acquisition, Todd Mavis, CEO of Enesco, explained, “We are very excited to have Michelle Allen, her designs, and her product line become a part of the Enesco Family of international brands. Our Enesco European operations have been a successful distributor of Allen Designs for over fifteen years. We are looking forward to teaming up with Michelle as she continues to focus on the creative development of her brand while Enesco, with our successful sales team and distribution expertise, helps to expand her geographic audience and target markets worldwide.” Michelle Allen shared, “I am thrilled about becoming a part of the Enesco Family. This partnership will allow me the opportunity to focus on what I love and what I do best, which is to create art, and design fun, functional, and awesome products!” To see Michelle’s design work, please visit www.allendesignsstudio.com INDUSTRY NEWS 11
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