An Interview With… Richard Brendon

Where do I even start? I suppose it all began growing up in a very eclectic family, with my mum’s kitchen at the heart of it all. Surrounded by mismatched tableware and large family parties that celebrated every occasion with, let’s say, a lot of enthusiasm. Since then, everything has come pretty naturally, including my passion for product design, sparked during my time studying it at Kingston Arts School, and that fire has only grown since. During my degree, the concept of Reflect was born, pairing orphaned saucers with our Reflect Teacup.

All these experiences — my love for the arts, learning about Bone China and Glassware production, and my deep connection to the food, drink, and hospitality world — are at the heart of what I do. Each collection we create is about bringing Finer Dining, Every Day. The Line Collection, in particular, is all about inspiring people to have fun with their table settings — mixing colours, being playful, and making it their own, much like the memories I have from my mum’s table at home. Ultimately, we believe hosting and dining should be pure joy, and our goal is to share that joy with the world through the finest craftsmanship.

I believe both function and form should be balanced, with neither compromising the other. Function takes a slight lead, but both must be executed to the highest possible standard, ensuring practicality without sacrificing the design.

Our Jancis Robinson Collection is a good example of where we prioritise function over form — though still very beautiful. The collection originally came about in response to an everyday frustration from Jancis: that the perfect wine glass did not exist, and white and sparkling wines were being particularly short-changed with their associated glassware not allowing their aromas and complex flavour profiles to really shine. This much-needed perfect wine glass had to be gossamer-thin, putting the drinker in as much contact with the wine as possible; the stem had to be tall enough to allow a hand to comfortably swirl the glass without affecting the wine’s temperature; the curvature of the bowl had to maximise the wine’s surface area to allow oxygen contact, but leave enough room for the aroma to collect and linger; the opening had to be big enough to allow any nose to fully embrace the aromas of the wine; and to ensure practicality, it had to be dishwasher safe. We made it happen, and the glass is as functional as it gets.

Bone china has to be my all-time favourite material — I go on about it endlessly, but for good reason. It still amazes me how many people don’t actually know what’s in it — yes, it contains bone ash, which is what makes it so strong and durable. But beyond that, it’s brighter than any other porcelain and has an incredible translucency that no other material can match. Most importantly, it’s the strongest tableware ceramic that exists — 30% stronger than porcelain — which means it’s perfect for everyday use. It’s really hard to chip and, although the odd accident will happen, your bone china will look as good in 20 years as it does today.

People often assume bone china is old-fashioned or even heavy — which couldn’t be more wrong. It is wonderfully lightweight. And of course I have to give credit where it is due to the incredible craftspeople in Stoke-on-Trent who keep the tradition alive. The production of pottery in Stoke-on-Trent dates back to at least the 17th century, and still today every piece of our bone china is made to the absolute highest quality by master craftspeople in these same potteries.

All our pieces are crafted using centuries-old techniques, passed down through generations of skilled artisans — resulting in beautifully handmade creations, each one unique, with a quality that can only truly be appreciated when held and used.

That said, our Precision machine-made wine glass takes a slightly different approach. Using cutting-edge technology, it delivers, as the name suggests, exceptionally precise glasses, nearly identical to one another.

Our designs strike a balance between honouring the past and innovating for today’s world. We take what has stood the test of time and reimagine it for modern tastes, needs, and values — blending style, functionality, and sustainability into every piece.

Inspiration is all around, really. My first collection, Reflect, was actually born from the antique markets of Portobello Road, so I tend to wander through antique shops, fairs, and markets for new ideas. There’s something about the history and craftsmanship in those pieces that sparks creativity. From there, I usually sketch out ideas, considering how I can bring those old-world influences into something contemporary.

Absolutely. My work is deeply influenced by both historical craftsmanship and timeless design traditions. I admire Georgian and Art Deco design for their distinctive styles that transport you to another time, yet feel just as relevant today. I’m always looking at global influences, whether it’s the precision of Japanese craftsmanship or the boldness of Bauhaus design. The challenge is to take these inspirations and make them into something fresh, functional, and enduring — pieces that feel at home in any era.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Rather than chasing trends, I focus on creating pieces that are timeless — both in design and durability — so they can be used and loved for generations.

Material choice plays a big role. We work with Bone China, which is incredibly strong and lightweight, meaning our pieces can withstand daily use rather than being replaced frequently. Our Glassware is also designed for longevity, made using high-quality, lead-free crystal to ensure its resilience.

Ultimately, sustainability in design isn’t just about materials — it’s about making products that people truly value and want to keep. They are heirlooms of the future.

One of the biggest challenges we have faced? Like most businesses, I’d have to say COVID, which definitely threw a spanner into the supply chain. Factories closed, materials were hard to come by, and logistics became a headache. But chasing quality is always a moving target, pandemic or not. Factories evolve, techniques shift, and we always strive for perfection, working closely with our makers to ensure every piece meets our exacting standards.

That said, we are incredibly proud of everything we create, but our bespoke projects are something special. Collaborations like our recent Jeremy King x Richard Brendon Glassware Collection bring out the best in our brand, with thoughtful designs tailored for a specific space. Seeing our pieces in action — whether on a beautifully set table or in someone’s hands — never gets old, especially when they grace some of the world’s most iconic hospitality settings.

Let’s just say, I’m sure it’ll be as exciting as our first decade in the business! I’m curious to see how both industries keep pushing the boundaries with new technology to create exceptional quality. Who knows? The next big thing might be right around the corner…