This fabric is part of our Mochaware collection designed by Kate Hawkins. Mochaware was a style of pottery that began in Staffordshire in the 1770s which eventually spread across the Atlantic to America. It was called Mochaware because its decoration resembled the patterns found in moss agate also known as ‘mocha stone’, a semi-precious gemstone exported in large numbers from the port city of Mocha in Yemen.

Spongeware is inspired by the tree-like patterns (dentrites) frequently found in Mochaware. These were made by applying an acidic tea mixture made up of stale urine, vinegar, turpentine, or tobacco infusion to an alkaline slip surface which would cause a chemical reaction at the point of contact. Here Kate used a natural sea sponge dipped in a coloured paint to mimic those natural marks.

She became interested in Mochaware not just because of its glorious decorative possibilities but also because of what it represented. The pottery was mass-produced, utilitarian and by 1814 inexpensive to make: it was democratic. There was nothing elite about it and as such it could be found in pubs and taverns across the country. It was made to be used, and in many cases abused, which is why much of today’s Mochaware has chips and cracks and oh so many stories to tell. We hope this new collection will give you the means to tell yours.