Magic Garden | 1970 Space Age Lunar Design

Launched in 1970, Magic Garden is Susan Williams-Ellis’s flamboyant tribute to the age of space travel. Designed in the wake of the 1969 moon landing, Susan turned her imagination toward the stars, creating a "futuristic" botanical pattern based on the type of vegetation she imagined might be found on the lunar surface.

A Masterclass in 3D Depth

Magic Garden is celebrated for its incredible three-dimensional effect, achieved through a complex layering of motifs and a specific palette:

• The Palette: A striking blend of vibrant greens, deep blues, and sharp black outlines on a crisp white ground.

• The Motifs: The design is dominated by oversized ferns and alien-like seed pods that seem to vibrate off the surface of the ceramic.

• The "Hidden" Bird: In a classic Susan Williams-Ellis touch, a tiny, gorgeous bird is hidden amongst the dense, surreal plants—a "reward" for the observant collector.

Space Age Shapes

To maintain the "futuristic" aesthetic, the design was applied exclusively to the Cylinder shape. This choice provided a tall, sleek, and modern canvas that complemented the verticality of the alien "plants." Magic Garden was a comprehensive range, produced as:

• Coffee & Tea Services: The tall coffee pots are particularly sought after for their large-scale display of the pattern.

• Full Dinnerware: Bringing a touch of psychedelic sci-fi to the 1970s dining room.

Collector’s Status

Because Magic Garden followed the successful Magic City, it was a hit in its day, but it was only produced for a relatively short window in the early 1970s. Its "flamboyant" nature makes it a favourite for collectors who love Mid-Century Modern and Pop Art aesthetics. In 2026, it stands as one of Portmeirion's most dynamic and visually exciting designs.

Ready to find the "hidden bird"? Browse our Magic Garden collection here.

If you love the futuristic style of Magic Garden, explore its predecessor: Magic City