Text by Shelby Duffy • Photography Courtesy of Victoria Eggs
When thinking of England, iconic images such as double-decker buses, Big Ben, and classic English teawares are often top of mind. Inspired by this nostalgic iconography, designer Victoria Eggs has created a thriving eponymous business that works to incorporate environmentally sustainable and ethical production practices into a business that celebrates the special moments of love and connection associated with her British upbringing.
After graduating from the Birmingham Institute of Art & Design in 2005 with a degree in Fine Art, Victoria Eggs moved to Sydney, Australia, where she began working with the English fashion brand Ben Sherman to design T-shirt graphics. The mod, yet quintessentially British, designs the brand is known for sparked a renewed appreciation in Victoria for England and the unforgettable aspects of home that she associated with her childhood.
Spurred by an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and hopeful for a reconnection to her heritage, she began drafting her own designs to depict cherished memories of the small moments that made England feel like home to her, such as the excitement of visiting the bustling city of London, the unmistakably rich smell of fish and chips accentuated by a refreshing seaside breeze, or the joy of watching tendrils of steam escape while savoring a warming cup of tea. She explains, “It’s only right to celebrate the quintessentially British afternoon tea—it’s such a joy. [It’s a] special moment of celebration, connection, and indulgence, so naturally I was inspired to create a collection dedicated to this wonderfully quaint British ritual.”
What began as simple seeds of a creative business endeavor eventually took root, and in March 2011, Victoria began screen printing some of her designs onto tea towels in a drafty studio space in South London to sell at a vendor stall at Spitalfields Market. Inspired by Laura Ashley’s sophisticated floral prints from the 1980s and ’90s, Victoria created intricately designed motifs with delicate detailing, resulting in a beautiful blend of English heritage and contemporary design. The sentimental depictions were instant bestsellers, allowing Victoria to quickly expand her collections and further establish her business, which now incorporates a selection of fine-bone china mugs, darling baubles, and a plethora of homewares.
While maintaining the charm and whimsical reminiscence of beloved British imagery is a leading inspiration for merchandise, design is not the only factor considered when creating products for the Victoria Eggs brand. Victoria is fiercely committed to ensuring that all goods are created with sustainability in mind. The company chooses to partner only with manufacturers around the UK whose ethics closely align with their code of environmental responsibility, ensuring that the company’s eco-centric philosophies are followed while simultaneously supporting local businesses and promoting traditional English artistry.
While explaining the process of production, Victoria emphasizes, “Our customers value the care, attention, and quality craftsmanship of our product and align with our sustainability goals, preferring to make considered purchases to last a lifetime over fast-fashion production methods.” Although this choice can add considerable constraints, Victoria acknowledges that the tradeoff value is immeasurable to ensure that the quality of each product meets the highest of standards and preserves the integrity of local craftsmanship.
When creating their beloved mugs, every step of the manufacturing process takes place in England. They partner with Duchess China, a Staffordshire-based ceramics manufacturer that has been crafting ceramics since 1888, to create their fine bone china and use locally sourced materials, including clay from St. Austell, Cornwall, and bone ash that is recycled from a local butchery, which would ordinarily go to a landfill.
“I am a fierce advocate of British craftsmanship and from the start wanted to make sure that everything we make is handcrafted and distributed from within the UK, using only the very best and most sustainable materials which have minimal impact on the environment,” Victoria explains.
With products born from nostalgia and a distinct pull to the poignant memories of home, Victoria Eggs has built a brand that all of England can hold close to their hearts. Including “Simply London,” “Afternoon Tea,” and a variety of royalty-inspired collections (including the popular “King Charles Coronation” collection), these charming releases set the scene for an unforgettable gathering.
“Tea is the glue that holds our lives together, whether it’s working through a problem, sharing a moment, or just taking a break from the world. It’s a Brit’s answer to everything, and it brings us closer to those special people and moments that we cherish.”
Victoria Eggs’s products are now available from more than 200 retailers across the world. If visiting London, stop by Harrods, Tower Bridge, Abbey Road Studios, St. Paul’s Cathedral, or Royal Albert Hall to see some of Victoria Eggs’s newest offerings. Also, be sure to visit victoriaeggs.com for additional purchasing information or an in-depth look at their commitment to environmental sustainability and follow them on Instagram @victoriaeggs for an exclusive peek at their latest designs and upcoming product launches.
