Portmeirion Tableware

Pottery designer Susan William-Ellis established Portmeirion Pottery in 1960. She and her husband, Euan Cooper-Willis, purchased a pottery decorating company in Stoke-On-Trent in 1960 having worked with the company for several years. In 1961, the couple bought Kirkhams Ltd, giving them the capability to manufacture pottery, as well as decorate it.

Several popular lines were launched in the first ten years, but it was in 1972 with the launch of the Botanic Garden range that the company really became a name in the dining ware industry. More recent designs have included an officially licensed Ted Baker range and designs from Sophie Conran.

In 2009, the Portmeirion Group expanded with the purchase of Royal Worcester and Spode, after the companies went into administration. This led to additional manufacturing at the Stoke-on-Trent factory.

Portmeirion Collectables

Portmeirion Pottery collectables can be very expensive, with the most expensive being some of the original Botanic Garden, Totem, and Pomona are just some of the most highly sought after. The fragile nature of pottery means that a lot of the older items have become damaged or broken.

Whether budget is restricted, or you are looking for items that will become collectors' items in the future, it is worth looking at earlier pieces that sell well now. Those that are part of animal and plant ranges have always performed well, and holiday pieces that are found as part of the Botanic Garden range as well as individual sets, are also sought after.

Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is the best known of all Portmeirion tableware. The great thing about this beautiful and appealing line is that it is not only designed to look great, but is designed for regular use. There's no need to lock them away in a display cabinet, or leave them in the kitchen cupboard for fear of them becoming damaged. Portmeirion tableware functions very well and is built to last.

This range has been updated and remade since 1972. As the name suggests, it is decorated with plants and trees that are reminiscent of those found in botanic gardens across the country. This traditional style is very popular with buyers and collectors, and this is why the Botanic Garden sets are those that are purchased most often.

Sophie Conran

Sophie Conran comes from a family that is renowned for its design abilities. Her siblings include fashion designer Jasper Conran, restaurateur Tom, artist Edmund, and product designer Sebastian. She is also the daughter of Sir Terence Conran, the restaurateur, and Caroline Conran, a famous food writer. With this kind of pedigree, it is hardly surprising that she has made a name for herself as an interior designer, cook, and author.

Since 2006, the Portmeirion Sophie Conran range has won plaudits and praise from buyers and publications. It has won awards from Elle and House Beautiful, and her line remains one of the most popular and arguably best looking of Portmeirion pottery.

Ted Baker

The pottery company also features a licensed range from Ted Baker, another stalwart in the British design industry. The products, which include Portmeirion plates, cups, and other items of tableware, feature beautiful, fine prints, from the Ted Baker design range. They also incorporate a combination of both fine dining and tea story collection items and every item is available in a gift presentation box, making it the ideal choice as a future Portmeirion Pottery collectable.

The Holly & Ivy

The Holly & Ivy is a collection of Portmeirion mugs, cups, plates, and other items that are perfect for seasonal celebration. Buy sets of 6 mugs, plates, bowls, and more. Have them delivered straight to your door with eCookshop's free next day delivery offer (on all orders over £50) and enjoy a traditionally decorated dining set.

Tableware

There are many other sets and collections available. There are those designed with children's favourites like Peppa Pig and the Hungry Caterpillar.