Portmeirion

It was serendipity, however, that gave the early china designs their distinctive cylindrical shape. The first pottery the couple purchased in 1960, A.E.Gray Ltd., was set up only for decorating blanks manufactured elsewhere. A year later, they purchased Kirkham's, Ltd., which could actually produce the pottery. The factory's attic yielded cylindrical molds in various sizes, which Susan adapted into coffee pots, mugs, candleholders, and vases. Thus the distinctive shape of the early patterns was established, by chance, and went on to influence pottery and china design all over the world in the 1960's.

By the early 1970's, growing tired of the same shapes and abstract styles, Susan's interest turned to nature and the Victorian botanical illustrations she turned up in her explorations. Thus "Botanical Garden" was created. It soon became one of the world's biggest selling tableware patterns and still accounts for half of the company's turnover.

New patterns and designs are introduced on a continuing basis, with Susan still overseeing the production and continuing to hand-turn original molds for her innovative shapes. The company has branched out from tableware to glassware, flatware, accessories and gifts under license to top-quality manufacturing partners. Portmeirion china and gifts are now available at higher-end retail shops and department stores worldwide, with the United States representing 40% of total annual sales.

There is a collector's club which can be joined at Portmeirion's web site, which will afford the member some special deals and exclusive offerings, as well as a twice-yearly newsletter.

For other dealers on-line, check these out:

Chinacraft London, a 50-year-old family business specializing in pottery, china and giftware from the best of England's manufacturers, such as Staffordshire, Moorcroft and Portmeirion.

Small Island Trader specializes in fine cookware and china from Spode, Rosenthal and Portmeirion.

Michael Round Fine China, with stores located in Maryland and Virginia, has a very user-friendly site. A description of the technology used to make Portmeirion china microwave safe is of interest.

Mrs. Huckles China Matching, just as it says, is a family-run china-matching service found in a cottage in Bedfordshire, England, built in 1450. You might find a treasure here!

The Miriam Shop is located in Williamsville, NY, and carries a wide range of fine gifts, including Portmeirion.

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