Portmeirion - The Romance Of The Rose

The "Planets" Collection: A Masterpiece in Porcelain

The Romance of the Rose is the culmination of Susan Williams-Ellis’s lifelong obsession with the "Queen of Flowers." This wasn't just another pattern; it was a twenty-year artistic pilgrimage. From the spiritual shores of Portmeirion Village to the world-renowned nurseries of David Austin, Susan spent decades painting in the world’s most prestigious gardens to capture the fleeting beauty of the rose in early summer.

A Technical Revolution: Portmeirion Porcelain

To honour these illustrations, Susan knew that standard earthenware wouldn't suffice. She commissioned Portmeirion’s technical team to develop a brand-new material: Portmeirion Porcelain.

• The "Planets" Shape: Designed specifically for this range, the "Planets" shape features soft, spherical curves that mimic the unfolding petals of a bloom.

• Brilliant Whiteness: This high-strength porcelain provided a canvas of pure, transparent white, allowing the subtle gradients of Susan’s watercolours to "glow" as if backlit by the sun.

The Collector’s Editions

Launched in June 2000, this was a strictly Limited Edition release. Susan selected only six rose varieties for the collection, each one a testament to her friendship with rose expert David Austin.

• Gold Embellishment: Each large platter is finished with 24-carat gold, elevating the range from tableware to fine art.

• Provenance: Every piece is individually numbered as part of a limited run of just 1,000 per design.