Trouva x Florence Mytum
Trouva x Florence Mytum
The Queenie Egg Cup
Introducing the limited-edition Queenie Egg Cup, a set of two stoneware egg cups coming in complementary pastel green and pink. Handcrafted in East London, and featuring Florence's signature curves, our limited run of 30 sets is available exclusively at Trouva now.
“The joy of buying something handmade rather than mass produced is that each one is slightly different.” - Florence Mytum
The Queenie Egg Cup are inspired by Florence’s granny Queenie, who, “after seeing a stall selling antique egg cups in Leamington Spa" couldn't resist starting her own collection. Florence told us that "Queenie started her collection in the '70s, and now has a grand total of 810 egg cups," each one inspiring her latest designs.
“Queenie’s favourites from her collection include a glass hippo from South Africa, one from her childhood that has a working whistle, and one that I decorated with sequins when I was tiny - my first foray into making egg cups!”
“I wanted to make something that was bright, fresh and tactile, inspired by my granny's collection of mid-century cups. I love the way The Queenie Egg Cup's flat, block colours allow the curves and the egg splat base to sing.” - Florence Mytum
Shop Florence Mytum
Meet Florence Mytum
Florence Mytum is a London-based ceramicist whose work celebrates colour and form through sculptural stoneware clay. Her unconventional style blends experimental bold colour and curved lines, bringing a playful touch to each handcrafted piece. We caught up with Florence to chat studio rituals, '80s design inspiration and tips for first-time potters.
"Handmade ceramics are the ultimate antidote to mass production."
Where do you source inspiration from?
“The Memphis Design Movement - founded in 1981 by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass. Their use of colour, shapes and unconventional materials to inject humour and joy into design is something that resonates with me both conceptually and aesthetically.”
What’s your favourite thing about working with clay?
“The materiality: clay moves and changes through every stage of the process, from wet, raw mud to brittle, bone dry clay, to fired ceramic. The pure magic of what happens in the kiln when glaze materials react at thousands of degrees will never cease to amaze me. I love the fact that working with clay is sensory and intuitive and led by the body as well as the mind.”
"The use of colour, shapes and unconventional materials to inject humour and joy into design is something that resonates with me.”
What does a day in the studio look like for you?
“I arrive just before 9am. My tasks for the day vary massively as there are so many different stages to ceramics. While working, I often put on podcasts, audiobooks or music - I’m currently listening to ‘Why We Sleep’ by Matthew Walker. If I’m not throwing, loading a kiln, mixing a glaze, or packing orders, I will be drinking tea (always Yorkshire) and eating snacks. Cleaning up is my least favourite part of the day - it always takes longer than you think...”
Why do you think ceramic design is booming right now?
“Being stuck at home during lockdown saw people invest in beautiful pieces for their homes. Coupled with an uptake in crafting and creative hobbies, I think handmade ceramics have been thrown into the spotlight. The pandemic exacerbated our desire to shop more ethically and support independent shops and makers. Handmade ceramics are the ultimate antidote to mass production.”
Florence’s Tips for First-Time Potters
- Don't get overwhelmed by how much there is to know. Focus on the basics and go from there.
- Don’t worry about making mistakes! It happens to us all, no matter how experienced.
- Practice, practice, practice. Your hands and body will learn how to work with the clay over time, even if your conscious mind doesn’t.
- Look after yourself. Ceramics can be tough on the body so take the time to learn good wheel posture. And always wear a mask when mixing glazes!
