With an eclectic range of influences, from Greek Mythology to British vegetable patches, Minnie-Mae Stott's creations have become an instantly recognisable staple of British ceramics. And the magic all happens at her home studio in the windswept seaside town of Margate, Kent.
At LAMP LDN we make it our mission to work with independent makers, artists and designers, and these creators become the fabric of our LAMP LDN community. We like to think of them as the Light in the LAMP, and this series gives us a few minutes to get to know them a little better. So, grab a glass of something cold and pull up a chair, as we chat to one of our makers - Minnie-Mae Stott, from Minnie-Mae Studio.
Minnie-Mae was one of our first collaborators when we were looking to fill our shop with unique ceramics that are filled with beauty and character. She dreams up all of her designs from her home studio, and seeks to create pieces that evoke nostalgia, and that are kind to the planet with their longevity.
Tell us about your journey - how did the business begin?
I originally studied Printed Textiles at university and had my own line of pieces when I graduated, and this morphed into ceramics once I moved to Margate in 2016. I started going to Clayspace, and I found my calling - I instantly began to spend all of my waking hours there. I’ve not stopped since, and most of my time is usually spent creating handmade ceramic pieces, from inspiration and from explorations. I really enjoy using clay as a medium and the individual expression that emerges out of the kiln in the final firing. My printed textile background still shows in my designs, I think, both in terms of colour and composition of pattern.
Is there anyone in your life who has had a lasting influence on your taste and style?
Absolutely - my great grandmother, my grandmother and mum. Growing up I was surrounded by a rich abundance of fabrics, pottery, cooking, art, and always a great encouragement to find my own path of interest within those worlds.
What, would you say, are the biggest inspirations for your creations?
There are many - British seaside landscapes and culture, the history of London and its East End markets, Greek Mythology, Italian kitsch decoration, and British vegetable growing culture, to name a few. They all inspire and inform my imagery and exploration of design, resulting in a healthy obsession with columns, peas and seashells.
Do you have a favourite moment of your making process?
Opening the final kiln firing on a new piece - it’s magical. Although it’s a lesson in patience, you never quite know what will happen in the kiln. I also love that first stage of inspiration, when an idea has been brewing away in the back rooms of your mind and then decides to pop into the forefront when it’s good and ready.
Tell us about your supply chain - where do you source your materials? Do you try to remain conscious of longevity and sustainability?
All of my clay comes from Stoke. We reuse all the leftover clay from the larger pieces for smaller items, such as the peas and beans, so nothing goes to waste. My hand-crafted ceramics are objects of empowerment, designed to evoke nostalgia, strength and to be cherished.
Tell us something you love about your own home?
We were incredibly lucky to buy our very own home in Ramsgate this year, but we’re taking it slowly with the renovations, soaking it all in before making any big decisions.
I finally have my own garden (hooray!), which doubles up as an extra room in the summer - we spent this year investing in considered perennials, that will come back year on year. My favourite room is our open plan kitchen/living room, which has light streaming in from both ends. For me, light is really important in living spaces. Adding fun (but design considered) functional objects into our home has been on my radar, such as our giant pea candle holder and shell pinch pots.
What’s your favourite thing about being an independent maker?
I’m my own boss. Ha!
The Light in the Lamp Quick Fire Round
Your favourite cocktail
Mezcalita (from the Rose in June, Margate).
Your ideal Sunday morning
We usually have pals or family staying, and after a Saturday evening of delicious food and wine we are in need of bacon avo bagels, followed by a blustery beach walk. We have such amazing beaches in Kent and we feel so lucky to be able to roam along them. Sometimes we go further afield, to Dungeness to take a ride on the Hythe miniature railway, or to ramble along the beach, filling up on Fish Shack lobster rolls.
We’re coming round for dinner - what’s on the menu?
Thai baked whole bream or seabass with grandma’s potatoes are my current dinner party obsession. But we also love cooking various dishes from Clare Lattin and Tom Hill’s Duck Soup cookbook, and the Brutto cookbook.
Your rainy afternoon comfort movie
Spirited Away.
Your favourite pick from the current LAMP LDN collection (that isn’t something of yours!)
The Tweedmill Bijou blanket in Chilli.
