Pomona | The 1982 Romantic Fruit Collection

Launched in 1982, Pomona was named after the Roman goddess of fruit trees, gardens, and orchards. Following the monumental success of Botanic Garden, Susan Williams-Ellis spent years curated a collection of antique colour fruit illustrations, waiting for the perfect ceramic form to showcase them.

The "Romantic" Shape: From Ibiza to the Potteries

The 1980's demanded a departure from the rigid, cylindrical shapes of the 1960's. Susan’s inspiration for a new "Romantic" silhouette was a masterclass in eclectic design:

• The Museum Spark: During a visit to a museum in Ibiza, Susan saw a 2nd-century Carthaginian cup that caught her eye.

• The Organic Twist: She combined the classical lines of that ancient cup with the bulbous, graceful form of a poppy seed head.

• The Result: The Romantic shape—a curvier, softer, and more traditional profile that provided a lush canvas for the heavy fruit motifs.

The "Grown-Up" Garden

While Botanic Garden felt like a walk through a wildflower meadow, Pomona felt like an afternoon in a sun-drenched orchard. The range featured rich, vibrantly illustrated fruits including:

• Apples (most notably the 'Hoary Morning' variety)

• Plums, Cherries, and Grapes

• Apricots, Gooseberries, and Redcurrants

A Commercial Powerhouse

Pomona was an immediate success. For many years, it held the prestigious position of being second only to Botanic Garden in global sales. Its timeless, "Old World" charm made it a favourite for formal dining and country-house kitchens alike.

Collector’s Insight: The "Full Orchard" Challenge

In 2026, Pomona remains a cornerstone of the Portmeirion secondary market.

• Cohesive Displays: Unlike the "mix-and-match" chaos of Botanic Garden, Pomona collectors often focus on specific fruit types (e.g., an all-cherry tea set) to create a more curated, tonal look.

• The Shape Evolution: Because the Romantic shape was so successful, Susan later used it for other designs (like Weeping Hearts), but purists argue that the weight and curve of the ware were originally "made for the fruit."

At Purely Portmeirion, we specialise in the original Romantic shape—a unique silhouette inspired by a second-century Carthaginian cup. While Pomona remains a beloved classic, many of the most iconic pieces and motifs are now discontinued. We source and authenticate rare Pomona motifs, including the elusive Amicua Melon, L'Imperatrice Plum, and the classic Hoary Morning Apple.

Expert Tip for Collectors: How to Identify Vintage Pomona patterns and backstamps by using our own handy Pomona Motif and Backstamp Guide.