Apothecary Jars | Hand-Turned Traditional Storage

The story of the iconic Portmeirion storage jar begins with the acquisition of Kirkham’s Pottery in 1961. Along with the factory, Susan Williams-Ellis and Euan Cooper-Willis inherited a vast archive of antique moulds—many of which had been used for decades to produce traditional chemist and apothecary supplies.

Hand-Turned Craftsmanship

Susan saw the potential in these traditional shapes, repurposing them for the modern 1960's home. Unlike mass-produced modern ceramics, these early Apothecary Jars were hand-turned on a lathe. This traditional technique gave each jar a substantial, weighted feel and a precision in the "stepped" lids that is rarely seen today.

Modernising the Antique: The 22ct Gold Touch

To transform these Victorian chemist jars into stylish kitchen and dressing table ware, Susan introduced bold, contemporary finishes:

• Hand-Painted Banding: Talented "paintresses" at the factory applied vibrant, brightly coloured bands of glaze to the jars, instantly bringing them into the 1960's aesthetic.

• 22ct Gold Decadence: In an inspired move, Susan added real 22ct gold banding to the rims and lids. This touch of "at-home luxury" made these functional jars a status symbol for the mid-century modern kitchen.

• Repurposed Utility: Originally designed for powders and tinctures, Susan reimagined them for coffee, tea, bath salts, and vanity storage—a use they serve just as perfectly today.

Collector’s Insight: The Kirkham Transition

Collectors often look for the "Kirkham" era jars as they represent the very first production run under the Portmeirion umbrella. 

Looking for a piece of functional history? Browse our Portmeirion Apothecary Jars.