Portmeirion Cutlery

Named after the Italianate village in North Wales, Portmeirion Pottery was founded in 1960 by Susan Williams-Ellis and her husband Euan Cooper-Willis. Trained in Fine Art, Susan was asked by her father, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect and creator of Portmeirion Village, to develop some ceramic gifts for the Village Shop.

Expansion soon followed, as further designs were added to the portfolio; allowing Susan to design both shape and surface decoration. The iconic Totem design was launched in 1963, bringing creative acclaim and financial reward to Portmeirion. Its bold, abstract pattern of embossed stars and spirals, set against striking cylindrical drum-like shapes, across a breadth rich, warm glaze colours fitted the mood of the 1960's generation.