Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
An egg-shaped ceramic deviled egg serving platter featuring the beloved 'Sweet Pea' (Lathyrus Odoratus) botanical illustration. This piece is part of Portmeirion's iconic Botanic Garden collection, instantly recognizable by its signature triple-leaf laurel border and whimsical butterfly motifs.
Story
In 1972, designer Susan Williams-Ellis discovered a treasure trove of 19th-century botanical illustrations in a London bookshop. This chance encounter sparked the creation of Botanic Garden, a mix-and-match dinnerware revolution that brought the untamed beauty of an English country garden directly to the dining table.
Maker / Origin
Susan Williams-Ellis, co-founder of Portmeirion, was a visionary designer who believed that tableware should be both beautiful and highly functional. Her Botanic Garden design became one of the most successful and enduring ceramic patterns in history, celebrated for its casual elegance and collectible variety.
Condition & Value
The platter appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing on the front. There are minor dark scuffs or manufacturing marks on the unglazed underside rim, which is common and does not affect display value. Excellent condition commands the higher end of the range.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.