Hand-Painted | The Rare 'Longton Ladies' Collection

In the early 1990's, Portmeirion entered a golden era of artisan craftsmanship. Margaret Brian, a former Wedgwood paintress and skilled lithographer, established a dedicated hand-painting department at the factory. She assembled an elite team of artists who became affectionately known as ‘The Longton Ladies.’ ### Artisan Excellence for Global Retailers. The work produced by this department was widely considered superior to any other hand-painted pottery in the UK at the time. Their skill caught the attention of the world’s most prestigious department stores, leading to several exclusive commissions:

• Lemon Grove: Created exclusively for Harrods.

• Mandarin: A vibrant range for John Lewis.

• Orchard Fruits: Designed for the high-end retailer Lawleys.

• Macy's Special Edition: A highly rare 1996 8-inch plate featuring a stylised yellow rose, created specifically for the iconic New York store.

A Gallery of Motifs

Beyond the retail exclusives, the Longton Ladies produced a diverse array of limited-edition designs that are now highly prized by collectors:

• Countryside & Farm:The Llanelli Cockerel, Barnyard, and Kitchen Garden.

• Flora & Fruit:Summer Fruits, Peach Tree, Sweet Pea, and Magnolia.

• Revivals: A hand-painted reimagining of the classic Portmeirion Dolphin.

The 1997 "End of an Era"

Due to company restructuring, the hand-painting department was sadly closed in the spring of 1997. Because this department only operated for a short window (roughly 1992–1997), the output was limited. Every piece bearing the signature style of a Longton Lady is a "frozen moment" in British ceramic history.

Looking for a Macy's Rose or a Harrods Lemon Grove original? Explore our Hand-Painted archive here.