Creating Toiles de Jouy Ceramic Buttons for the Victoria and Albert Museum: A Designer-Maker’s Journey

As a designer-maker, I’ve always been fascinated by the fusion of natural, organic and cultural patterns in textiles and pottery. When the opportunity arose to create a collection of Toiles De Jouy ceramic buttons and brooches for the Victoria and Albert Museum, I couldn’t help but say yes. 

The V&A discovered my work after I exhibited my creations at the Top Drawer – a trade fair based in Olympia, London. 

After laying the initial foundation for our collaboration, the museum curators shared a diverse range of design archives, sparking rich conversations surrounding texture, form, and print. These patterns included Iznik, Cuenca and 17th-century Delft tile, initially designed as a decorative point for the mantel. Each element was carefully considered for its placement on each ceramic button and brooch. 

Eventually, they decided on the finished form and function, which included the notable fabric Toiles De Jouy, designed in 18th-century neoclassical France. The iconic French fabric print, known for its intricate scenes depicting pastoral life, is the ideal inspiration for a unique and contemporary take on this classic motif.

The process involved handcrafting each button with precision, using fine porcelain to create a refined finish. After the initial bisque firing, I applied my custom glazes, experimenting with a transparent glaze to evoke the essence of the pattern while still retaining that modern, handmade touch from the original prints, which would be placed on decals in a further firing process. The final result was a series of buttons and brooches that paid homage to the past, reimagined as a classically modern interpretation that echoes the elegance of the V&A.

As a designer-maker, something is enriching about knowing your work will be on display in the shop of such a prestigious institution. It’s an honour to see my creations alongside some of the most celebrated works in design history.