Kingdom of the Sea | Rare 1972 Sepia Marine Pottery

Launched in 1972, Kingdom of the Sea was a deeply personal project for Susan Williams-Ellis, reflecting her lifelong love of marine life and scuba diving. Moving away from the bold graphics of the 60's, this range utilised the Drum shape as a canvas for intricate, 18th-century copper engraved prints, rendered in a sophisticated and atmospheric sepia.

The "Anatomy" of the Collection

The range was thoughtfully categorised, with different species appearing on specific items of the service:

• The Fish: Fierce and exotic varieties were reserved for the larger dinner plates and oval platters.

• The Crustacea: Crabs and lobsters adorned the smaller plates.

• The Shells: Delicate shell motifs were used for tureens, tea, and coffee ware.

Identifying the Neptune Backstamp

The backstamps for this range are as beautiful as the motifs themselves. They are a key way for collectors to verify authenticity:

• Large Items: Feature a detailed image of Neptune riding the waves with dolphins, accompanied by the Latin or common name of the species shown.

• Smaller Items (Shells): Usually carry a simplified Neptune backstamp without the species name.

A Rare "Five-Year" Window

Despite its striking, academic beauty, Kingdom of the Sea struggled to find a wide audience in the mid-70's, perhaps overshadowed by the massive success of Botanic Garden (launched the same year).

As a result, it was discontinued in 1977 after only five years of production. Because of this short run, shell-motif tea sets and coffee ware have become exceptionally hard to find and are much sought after by "completist" collectors. In 2026, its "Natural History" aesthetic is more popular than ever, making it a sound investment for any vintage enthusiast.

Looking for a rare Crustacea platter or Neptune-stamped coffee pot? Browse our Kingdom of the Sea collection here.