Susan Williams-Ellis
Co-founder and Creative Director of Portmeirion Pottery · Ceramic Art and Industrial Design
Portmeirion Pottery
Era
Circa 1990s - 2000s (printed mark)
Item Type
Ceramic Plate or Saucer
Condition
Excellent - The printed mark is clear and crisp with no visible crazing or wear to the glaze
Rarity
Common - This is a production-line hallmark found on thousands of pieces
Overall Assessment
This item features a printed manufacturer's mark referencing the designer, not a hand-signed autograph. It holds value as a quality piece of British pottery but does not carry a signature premium.
Authenticity Assessment
Printed Manufacturer Backstamp - Not an Autograph
Signature Style
Standardized printed sans-serif typeface combined with brand logo
Signature Characteristics
Uniform line weights, lack of pen pressure variation, and exact alignment indicates typographical printing rather than handwriting
Ink & Medium
Glaze-fired ceramic transfer (backstamp)
Item Description
Underside of a Portmeirion pottery item from 'The Seasons Collection' featuring the iconic green oval logo and British manufacturing credits
Estimated Value
$10 - $25 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Identical to standard Portmeirion backstamps for the 'Seasons Collection' range
Authentication Tips
Recognize that this is a printed brand mark rather than a hand-signed autograph by the uniform thickness and mechanical placement of the letters
Certification Recommendation
Not applicable for printed pottery marks
Red Flags
The primary red flag is mistaking a manufacturer's printed credit for a hand-signed autograph
Provenance Notes
Valuation is based on the piece of pottery itself as a collectible household item rather than a unique signed artifact
Historical Context
Susan Williams-Ellis (1918–2007) was a key figure in 20th-century British design, most famous for creating the 'Botanic Garden' range
Market Trends
Mid-century and late-century British ceramics remain popular for use and display, but value is driven by the piece's pattern, not the designer's printed name
Investment Potential
Low - These are functional decorative items with high production volumes
Similar Autographs
Clarice Cliff (factory marks), Emma Bridgewater (backstamps), Josiah Wedgwood (impressed marks)
Display & Preservation
Hand wash recommended to preserve glaze; store with felt separators to prevent scratching
Interesting Facts
Susan was the daughter of Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect who created the Italianate village of Portmeirion in Wales