Historic fine bone china manufacturer Royal Crown Derby has launched a competition for youngsters to raise cash for the NHS.
The Osmaston Road firm has opened its ‘Make a Mug, Make a Difference’ competition, which encourages children to design a mug that celebrates the NHS.
The winning mugs will be made by Royal Crown Derby artisans, who aim to produce 26,299 mugs, representing every day since the formation of the NHS on July 5, 1948, to its 72nd anniversary in 2020.
The competition has two entry categories, under 12’s and 12 to 18. Entries will be shortlisted by the firm’s in-house design team and the winner in each category will be chosen by the artist and children’s author Liz Million.
Both mugs are priced at £30 with 100% of profits donated directly to NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.
The mugs are immediately available to pre-order via the Royal Crown Derby website and each purchase includes a free ticket to tour the Royal Crown Derby factory and museum.
Those wishing to buy the mug as a gift have the option to add a personalised gift message to their delivery.
Christopher Oakes, managing director at Royal Crown Derby, said: “Everyone at Royal Crown Derby had a strong ambition to support the NHS, especially as many of our team have front line workers in their immediate family.
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“We explored several options, but we ultimately chose this campaign as it allows us to support the NHS by offering 100% of our profits and help British families who are also facing unprecedented challenges.
“We hope our entry packs will give children a much-needed challenge, boost creativity, and encourage them to learn about how precious the NHS is.”
Royal Crown Derby is the oldest surviving British pottery maker and has a long history of creating high quality commemorative pieces dating back to the coronation of King George III in 1761. Today, the Osmaston Road factory makes luxury fine bone china for retailers, hotels and restaurants.
Royal Crown Derby museum director Elizabeth Woledge said: “It has been a real pleasure to work together on this campaign.
“Our entry packs encourage young people to explore the process of design and explore their creative abilities.
“Royal Crown Derby’s history includes the work of some extremely talented artists and designers, some of whom were working as apprentices as young as 13.
“We are looking forward to opening the entries and seeing some of the amazing talent, which we know is out there among young people today.”
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Competition entries are now open and will close at 4pm on May 7. The winners will be invited to Derby to meet the design team and see how the mugs are made from start to finish at the Royal Crown Derby factory.
The winners will also take a tour of the Palace of Westminster with Jo Gideon MP and will be presented with the first mug off the production line together with their framed artwork.
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The winners will also visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world's leading museum of art, design and performance, where their mugs will be exhibited.
Tristram Hunt. director of the V&A, said: “The V&A is delighted to be able to endorse this important and innovative response by Royal Crown Derby to the Covid-19 emergency.
“Our front-line workers need all the help and funding possible, and it is wonderful to see a great British pottery company encouraging ceramic skills with the next generation in support of such a worthy cause.”