With its roots in the MA Ceramic Design course at Staffordshire University, FLUX was established as a company in late 2010 and draws on the historical heritage of the ceramic potteries. It offers new and yet undiscovered designers the opportunity to develop and commercialise their expertise.
Launching at Maison et Objet trade fair in Paris during September, Professor David Sanderson, his MA students and Charles Whait, a business consultant, brought something entirely new to offer. Whilst most students struggle to get there work seen or even produced, this company takes matters in to its own hands.
During September the company took over £30,000 worth of orders for cups and saucers, mugs, plates and other tableware.
Professor David Sanderson said: “The plan was always to launch FLUX in Paris because it’s a major, flagship event. When we arrived at the fair and when we put our display up I had a good feeling but to have generated the level of orders that we did for our products is unbelievable.”
He added “we’re adding substantial value to ceramic items that are manufactured in Stoke-on-Trent, by adding our designs, and selling them around the world. It’s great for Stoke-on-Trent and for the University. Now the company is established, the growth potential is great. We could be looking at £100,000 in orders this year.”
Offering both design and manufacturing flexibility unattainable in today’s mass production culture, FLUX is structured to enable the manufacture one-off’s to multi-runs, without compromise to quality and exclusiveness. Quintessentially English, creating products that in themselves are both beautiful and contemporary relevant, and exploit those ‘traditional’ qualities and values of fine bone china.
Totally gorgeous range, I have seen ti before and fall in love with them, a contemporary twist on traditional ceramics. I predict big success for them!!