Portmeirion dinnerware is made with amazing detail and normally displays floral pattern images in lots of different varieties. Some pieces present a different central floral arrangement surrounded by beautiful butterflies in flight. The colorful drawings come labeled with the flowers’ common and Latin names and frequently surrounded with a bouquet of leaves on the rim of the Lighthouse Dinnerware.
Portmeirion dinnerware is becoming very sought after and collectible throughout the world. The original Welsh designer, Susan William-Ellis is now a very old lady. Though it seems insensitive to say, Portmeirion dinnerware will without a doubt go up in value once she has passed on. She is the daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who designed and constructed the village of Portmeirion between 1925 and 1975 in Wales. Portmeirion dinnerware is a tribute to Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and his work.
Susan Williams-Ellis started creating ceramics in her father’s shop in 1953. In the early 60s her artwork had become so sought after that her husband and her purchased two little pottery companies and began making china and pottery under their own label. She could now create stylish patterns for her Portmeirion dinnerware and control the shapes of each item.
Her first collections were made of Moss Agate and Malachite in a relatively small scale. The designs she made in that era were Tiger Lily, Pormeirion Rose and Totem. Her most famous works of that time had a raised pattern which was unique and became extremely popular.
In the 1970′s she started her signature Portmeirion Botanic Garden collection after being inspired by an illustrated herbalism book by Thomas Green written in 1817. This Portmeirion dinnerware collection became her most famous work because of it revolutionary design. Most people had always expected a dinnerware set to match exactly but her Botanic Garden pieces each had their own unique designs on each piece and plate.
Other than being beautiful, Portmeirion dinnerware is normally safe to use in the oven, freezer, microwave, and in your dishwasher. These pieces are marvelous collections for anyone to have in their dining room settings and should not be overlooked when planning a casual or elegant dinner party for guests.