Rare Magic Garden Coffee Set Portmeirion by Susan William Ellis

Sale Price: £75.00 Original Price: £90.00

The Story

Designed in the late 1960s - just before the 1969 Moon Landing, the 'Magic Garden' pattern is a rare and futuristic design by the acclaimed artist Susan Williams-Ellis. Featuring an ethereal mix of "space-age" ferns, seed pods, and birds in a striking black, teal, and blue colorway, this set is a quintessential example of mid-century cool. Part of the 'Serif Series,' it reflects the excitement of the era’s lunar exploration through organic yet otherworldly motifs.

The Details

  • 6-Piece Set: Includes 4 cups, 1 milk jug, and 1 sugar bowl.

  • Dimensions:

    • Cups: 8.5cm H x 10cm W

    • Jug: 10cm H x 12.5cm W

    • Sugar Bowl: 6cm H x 8.5cm W

  • Maker: Portmeirion Pottery, Wales (all pieces marked to base).

  • Era: Circa late 1960s.

  • Condition: Immaculate vintage condition. Interiors appear unused; some insignificant age-related surface crazing to the glaze is present, as is common with Portmeirion of this age.

Why It’s Special

Susan Williams-Ellis was the daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (the architect of the Italianate village Portmeirion) and studied under legendary artists Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland. Her "Magic Garden" design is far less common than her later "Botanic Garden" series, making this set a prized find for collectors of graphic, mid-century British ceramics.

Styling Tips

  • Retro Coffee Nook: Style these on a dark teak sideboard or a graphic tray to lean into the 1960s aesthetic. The deep teal and black tones pop beautifully against natural wood.

  • Open Shelving: Because of their vibrant, wrap-around pattern, these pieces shouldn't be hidden in a cupboard. Stack the cups on an open shelf to treat them as small works of art.

  • Mix and Match: The "Magic Garden" palette pairs exceptionally well with modern matte black or deep blue dinnerware, bridging the gap between vintage character and contemporary minimalism.

Sustainable Shipping

  • 100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.

  • U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.

The Story

Designed in the late 1960s - just before the 1969 Moon Landing, the 'Magic Garden' pattern is a rare and futuristic design by the acclaimed artist Susan Williams-Ellis. Featuring an ethereal mix of "space-age" ferns, seed pods, and birds in a striking black, teal, and blue colorway, this set is a quintessential example of mid-century cool. Part of the 'Serif Series,' it reflects the excitement of the era’s lunar exploration through organic yet otherworldly motifs.

The Details

  • 6-Piece Set: Includes 4 cups, 1 milk jug, and 1 sugar bowl.

  • Dimensions:

    • Cups: 8.5cm H x 10cm W

    • Jug: 10cm H x 12.5cm W

    • Sugar Bowl: 6cm H x 8.5cm W

  • Maker: Portmeirion Pottery, Wales (all pieces marked to base).

  • Era: Circa late 1960s.

  • Condition: Immaculate vintage condition. Interiors appear unused; some insignificant age-related surface crazing to the glaze is present, as is common with Portmeirion of this age.

Why It’s Special

Susan Williams-Ellis was the daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (the architect of the Italianate village Portmeirion) and studied under legendary artists Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland. Her "Magic Garden" design is far less common than her later "Botanic Garden" series, making this set a prized find for collectors of graphic, mid-century British ceramics.

Styling Tips

  • Retro Coffee Nook: Style these on a dark teak sideboard or a graphic tray to lean into the 1960s aesthetic. The deep teal and black tones pop beautifully against natural wood.

  • Open Shelving: Because of their vibrant, wrap-around pattern, these pieces shouldn't be hidden in a cupboard. Stack the cups on an open shelf to treat them as small works of art.

  • Mix and Match: The "Magic Garden" palette pairs exceptionally well with modern matte black or deep blue dinnerware, bridging the gap between vintage character and contemporary minimalism.

Sustainable Shipping

  • 100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.

  • U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.