Commemorative Collection | Plates, Vases & Mugs

By the 1970's, Portmeirion’s ability to produce "instant history" expanded well beyond the standard tankard. The "Collectors Series" and Royal commissions were applied to various shapes, turning everyday tableware into archival records.

Plates, Vases, and Tea Ware

The flat surface of a plate was the ideal canvas for the more complex, illustrative designs created by Susan, John Cuffley, and Catherine Rooke.

• Commemorative Plates: Often featured large, central motifs (like a Royal crest or a detailed historical scene) framed by the decorative borders Susan was famous for.

• Teacups and Saucers: These brought a touch of ceremony to the table. Smaller, more delicate versions of the commemorative prints were applied to traditional tea sets, making them popular gifts for weddings and anniversaries.

• Vases and Ornaments: For major milestones, such as the 1977 Silver Jubilee, Portmeirion produced larger statement pieces like vases. These allowed for a "wraparound" effect of the silk-screen design, often featuring more gold lustre or intricate detailing.

The Design Versatility

The beauty of the silk-screen process meant that a design created for a A Year to Remember mug could be scaled and adapted:

• The "Total Table" Souvenir: For very popular events, a collector could acquire a matching set including a plate, a teacup, and a storage jar.

• Non-Cylindrical Challenges: While cylindrical items were easiest to print, the team successfully adapted these historical designs to more traditional, curved tea ware, proving the technical prowess of the Stoke-on-Trent factory staff.

Collector’s Insight: The "Full Suite" Rarity

In 2026, the market for commemorative items is seeing a shift.

• Beyond the Tankard: While mugs are plentiful, finding the matching plates and vases from the same commemorative run is much more difficult.

• Condition of the Gilding: Many commemorative items used metallic lustres to denote "Silver" or "Golden" jubilees. Collectors look for pieces where this delicate overglaze hasn't been worn away by cleaning.

• Export Rarities: Just like the "Where did you get that hat?" range, some commemorative items were produced for international events (like the American Bicentennial in 1976) and are rare finds in UK markets.