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| Emma Bridgewater produces mugs for royal baby | Emma Bridgewater produces mugs for royal baby |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| A Staffordshire pottery firm has begun producing a commemorative mug for the royal baby. | A Staffordshire pottery firm has begun producing a commemorative mug for the royal baby. |
| The Emma Bridgewater firm, in Stoke-on-Trent, started work on the blue, red and white mugs, which say, "A royal baby in 2013", on Tuesday morning. | The Emma Bridgewater firm, in Stoke-on-Trent, started work on the blue, red and white mugs, which say, "A royal baby in 2013", on Tuesday morning. |
| It said it would produce another one with the baby's name to mark the birth. | It said it would produce another one with the baby's name to mark the birth. |
| The Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy was announced on Monday evening after she was admitted to hospital with acute morning sickness. | The Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy was announced on Monday evening after she was admitted to hospital with acute morning sickness. |
| The duchess, who is thought to be less than 12 weeks pregnant, is expected to remain at King Edward VII hospital in central London for several days. | The duchess, who is thought to be less than 12 weeks pregnant, is expected to remain at King Edward VII hospital in central London for several days. |
| American market | |
| The company said the mugs were being produced because the firm's founders - Emma Bridgewater and Matthew Rice - were "such keen royalists". | |
| Head of manufacturing, Mark Thomas said the design was able to be produced so quickly because it incorporated many of the sponges and colours used in the company's other products. | |
| He said: "Our royal wedding and Jubilee sales were significant so we know there is a market for this. | |
| "It's also apparent from the media coverage over the last 24 hours that the American market will be strong too, so we're hoping this will help us move more sales into the United States." | |
| The firm said it sold £3.2m worth of commemorative ceramic ware for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and £1m worth for the wedding of the duke and duchess. | |
| Emma Bridgwater customers, Peter and Margaret Greenwood, from Wotton Bassett in Wiltshire, said they were amazed that the mug had been designed and made so quickly. | |
| "When you see all the work that goes into them and considering the pregnancy was only announced yesterday, it's fantastic," said Mrs Greenwood. | |
| "I think lots of people will definitely buy one because it's a great souvenir for the year," said Mr Greenwood. | |
| 'Family heirlooms' | |
| Another customer, Sandra Drew from Haughton in Cheshire agreed. | |
| "A lot of people love Will and Kate, so it will appeal to people," she said. | |
| Stoke-on-Trent Tableware company, Churchill China and ceramic art firm, Anita Harris Pottery said they were also planning to produce commemorative ranges. | |
| Dr Laura Cohen, from the British Ceramic Confederation said she expected more companies to follow suit. | |
| "Sales for pottery companies have consolidated in the past year because of events like the Jubilee and the Olympics and I'm sure this will increase sales for next year. | |
| "People will want family heirlooms and I'm sure there's also a massive export market, particularly in America." |