We are thrilled to launch our exclusive, hand-crafted William Morris Strawberry Thief Ceramics Collection by Burleigh.
This stunning contemporary range beautifully combines artistry with everyday practicality. Presented in elegant gift boxes, these pieces make a striking gift for any Morris or Burleigh collector, tea lover, or supporter of the Arts and Crafts movement.
First designed in 1883, Strawberry Thief was inspired by William Morris observing thrushes stealing fruit from the kitchen garden at his countryside home, Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire.
Because it required three separate printing dyes to be hand-printed using woodblocks, it was originally one of Morris’s most expensive cottons to produce, taking several days to complete. Despite the premium cost, it became—and remains to this day—one of his most popular and beloved designs.
To bring this contemporary interpretation to life, we partnered with Burleigh, who have been crafting high-quality ceramics in England for over 160 years.
Every piece in this collection is uniquely decorated by skilled craftspeople using Burleigh's signature, 200-year-old English technique of underglaze tissue transfer printing. Using hand-engraved copper rollers to apply the pattern onto fine tissue paper, Burleigh is the last remaining pottery in the world to use this traditional, timeless skill.
By combining the highest-quality raw materials with a dedicated team of artisans, Burleigh creates classic tableware today just as they did 170 years ago.
Whether you are looking to elevate your everyday refreshments or find the perfect centrepiece for your table, the collection includes:
The '30s Mug': Stylish yet practical, this elegant mug will add charm and refinement to your daily routine. Its shape is deeply steeped in history; on the factory floor, it is known as the "30s Mug"—a nod to the old "Potters Dozen" system where potters were paid based on how many items fit on a ware-board. For this specific size, a "dozen" equalled 30 mugs. While workers today earn a set hourly wage, the name lives on in the daily language of the pottery.
The Teapot: The perfect blend of British heritage and functional design for your morning brew.
The Cow Creamer & Butter Dish: Delightful, characterful additions to bring a touch of classic eccentricity to your breakfast table.
The Small Tankard Jug & Large Etruscan Jug: Striking, elegant silhouettes that showcase the intricate Strawberry Thief pattern beautifully.
This range forms part of our Legacy Collection, where rare objects and designs from the gallery’s archive are skilfully recontextualised through a contemporary lens by modern British artisans.
Because these pieces are produced in small numbers, every single purchase directly supports the makers and the preservation of traditional craft practices within the UK. At the same time, it supports the William Morris Gallery’s vital work—directly funding our education initiatives, conservation efforts, and world-class exhibitions.
Discover the charm of a timeless design and shop the exclusive collection today.
