Overview
This is the iconic 'Botanic Garden' collection, a revolution in ceramic design that brought 19th-century scientific illustrations to the dinner table.
Preliminary identification
Portmeirion 'Botanic Garden' Dinnerware Collection
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In 1972, designer Susan Williams-Ellis was browsing an antiquarian bookshop when she discovered a series of hand-colored plates from Thomas Green’s 'Universal Herbal' of 1817.
Maker / Origin
Susan Williams-Ellis was the daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect who created the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion in Wales.
Condition & Value
The pieces appear to be in excellent condition with bright glazes and no visible chips or 'crazing' (fine cracks in the glaze). The presence of the teapot and specialty serving dishes suggests a well-curated set; pristine condition is vital for this pattern as it is still in production.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD