British Herald | Rare 1966 Crested Pottery

Launched in 1966, the British Herald range is a sophisticated exercise in historical curation. Susan Williams-Ellis looked to the Georgian era for inspiration, specifically a 1830 volume by Thomas Robson titled The British Herald. This book was a definitive guide to the family crests and armorial bearings that once adorned the horses and carriages of Britain’s elite.

Fine Engravings & Architectural Shapes

Susan selected the finest 19th-century engravings from Robson’s work and applied them as crisp, detailed black transfers onto white earthenware. The choice of shapes was deliberate and masculine:

• Imperial Tankards: Large, sturdy mugs that perfectly suited the heraldic theme.

• Cylinder Coffee Sets: The iconic 1960's tall, slim coffee pots.

• Serif Shapes: Some rarer pieces can be found on the elegant Serif silhouette.

The 1970's Orange Variation

While the range is primarily monochrome (black on white), a small and highly collectable run was produced in 1970 featuring the crests printed onto glossy orange glazes. These pieces are a striking blend of traditional 19th-century heraldry and psychedelic 1970's "Pop" colour.

Identifying the Rare Backstamp

A key identifier for this range is its unique backstamp. Unlike most collections, British Herald items frequently do not bear the Portmeirion name. Instead, they feature:

• An Oval Stamp: Clearly marked with "British Herald" and "Made in England."

• Factory Recognition: Despite the missing brand name, this is a confirmed Portmeirion factory mark used during this specific mid-60s production window.

Looking to complete a set? Browse our British Herald collection here.