Timeless looks
Portmeirion celebrates ten years of a perfect partnership with Sophie Conran and her elegant and versatile range
WINNING FORMULA
With heritage and craftsmanship at its heart, Portmeirion has been producing classic British ceramics for more than 50 years. The brand has embraced new trends, shapes and styles over the decades, but its philosophy remains steadfast: the creation of beautiful, high-quality products with timeless appeal.
Founded in 1960 by Susan Williams-ellis and her husband Euan Cooper-willis, Portmeirion now produces more than 140,000 ceramics per week. Susan’s iconic Botanic Garden range is still a cornerstone and new designs, such as the Ted Baker Portmeirion collection, underpin the commitment to marry quality with creative flair. After more than half a century, the company has expanded to encompass other British brands including Spode, Royal Worcester, Pimpernel and Wax Lyrical.
CLASSIC COMBINATION
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Portmeirion’s partnership with cook and designer Sophie Conran, whose modern, informal pieces have become the byword for casual but beautiful dining. With her design flair and cooking know-how, Sophie’s range combines practicality with a personal touch. From bowls, cups and jugs to cake stands and roasting dishes, every piece is characterised by its graceful silhouette and starts life with a series of intricate pencil sketches, which Sophie gradually refines in collaboration with Portmeirion’s design team. The piece is then thrown by master potter Kevin Millward, creating an original master copy that can be digitally reproduced to make a mould into which the finest porcelain is cast.
The resulting contemporary-casual look is inspired by Sophie’s philosophy that each day should be beautiful, whether it involves a simple breakfast or a sophisticated dinner party. Delicate to the touch but highly durable, her collection is defined by its versatility. Each piece moves easily between freezer, oven, hob, microwave and table, making cooking and serving an e≠ortless and elegant process.
“A good piece of tableware should be pleasing to the eye and durable enough to be used every day. Simplicity and timelessness are key.” SOPHIE CONRAN