Tradition with a twist

Since I got back to the UK, I seem to have been drawn to two rather traditionally British design icons that have been artfully reinvented.

The first is a collection of plates that were designed by a company called Flux. It was established by students from the MA Ceramic Design course at Staffordshire University, who had a desire to regenerate the pottery industry that the area was known for. They have done it with a quirkiness that also pays homage to tradition.The second is a collection by Brit homewares label House of Hackney which uses prints inspired by the East End of London in Victorian times. My favourite is the dip-dyed "Dalston Rose" wallpaper which has been described as 'Colefax and Fowler on acid'........