A devoted collector of antiques, Polly draws inspiration for her hand-painted ceramic platters, plates and vases from the treasures she’s gathered over the years. She lives in Bungay, Suffolk, where her studio is open by appointment.
We asked Polly to share five of the most meaningful objects in her home and the personal stories behind them.
Becca Jewellery Necklace
My friend Becca, who is a very talented jeweller, created a necklace for me many years ago. Two of the charms feature Becca's illustrations, with my Whippet's names, Edgar and Cedric, engraved on the backside. It also includes a piece of antique coral and a vintage Wedgwood cameo. All the pieces are very dear to my heart.
Dog Collars
My two boys have special collars that I had handmade. They are black leather, lined with a beautiful bright red, and have brass studs running along the outside. We save them for special occasions, and I will cherish them forever.
Sketchbooks
I feel quite attached to my sketchbooks. They are a place where I can pour my ideas and thoughts without worrying or becoming self-conscious. They have become a lot less formal over the years, and I enjoy looking back at my old ideas and seeing how my work has developed.
Romantic Vase
On my mantlepiece at home, I have the first Romantic Vase I created. This piece is what gave way to the name of my vases, and I feel it was the starting point for an important body of my work. I don’t often keep any of my artwork, but this piece in particular I will always hold on to.
George Bugg Teapot
I have a teapot that has been passed down through the family. It's a brown ceramic teapot with ‘GEO. BUGG'S TEA’S ARE THE BEST’ written on the front. George was my great-great-grandfather.
