Categories / Design and Interiors, Food and Drink

Portmeirion Originals: re-issues from the 1950s and ’60s

Portmeirion mug

2010 is Portmeirion's 50th anniversary and the celebrations began last year with the limited re-release of the Magic Garden coffee set. They're also going back to the archives for Portmeirion Originals, re-issues of some of their designs from the 1950s and 60s. 

The range uses some of Susan William-Ellis' most famous and distinctive designs. Pictured is the 1964 designed Variations mug, which apparently was one of her favourites. There's also the Dolphin mug from 1959, the Magic City from 1966 and, my favourite, the Totem mug, originally designed in 1963. 

If you can't track down one of the originals, these re-issues cost £15 each 

See them online

Categories / Design and Interiors, Food and Drink

Portmeirion Magic Garden limited edition coffee pot

Magic garden coffee

Another company highlighting their heritage: in 2010 Portmeirion celebrates 50 years. They've been looking through their archives and produced a collection inspired by Susan Williams-Ellis' archive designs. This coffee pot is based on a similarly shaped pot they found that was covered in William-Ellis' hand-drawings. These drawings were the basis of the Magic Garden design, which began to be manufactured in 1970. The design looks as current now as it must have done back then. 

While mugs with this design are readily available, this coffee pot is limited to an edition of 500. Each pot costs £65. 

Buy it from the Beth Stevens website