Pomona Motif Guide

Portmeirion Pomona: The Motif & Identification Guide

Named after the Roman Goddess of Fruit, Portmeirion Pomona was launched in 1982 and remains a masterpiece of Susan Williams-Ellis’s career. Seeking a softer, more classical look than the cylindrical designs of the 1960's, Susan designed the "Romantic" shape—a silhouette inspired by a second-century Carthaginian cup. The motifs themselves were adapted from 18th-century hand-coloured books of fruit, specifically selected for their vibrant colours and timeless appeal.

Identifying Your Pomona Collection

Because Pomona has such a long production history, understanding the motifs and the evolution of the range is key to identifying vintage originals versus modern replacements.

• The Original Fruit Motifs: The core of the Pomona range consists of classic fruit illustrations, each with its own distinctive "personality." These include the L'Imperatrice Plum, The Hoary Morning Apple, The Teinton Squash Pear, and the Late Duke Cherry.

• The Backstamp Evolution: Genuine Pomona pieces feature a specific "Goddess of Fruit" backstamp. Understanding the subtle changes in this mark over the decades—from the early 1980's stamps to the modern dishwasher-safe versions—can help you determine the age and value of your pieces.

• Discontinued & Rare Items: While the core motifs are still loved today, many specific shapes (like the large punch bowls or tureens) and rarer fruit variations have been retired, making them highly sought after by serious collectors.
  
  

Need to complete your Pomona set? Whether you are searching for a replacement Amicua Melon plate or a Grimwoods Royal George peach motif, you can browse our Portmeirion Pomona collection by clicking on the motif you are wishing to purchase.