Black Diamond | Authentic 1963 Graphic Design

The Black Diamond range is a landmark in British ceramic history. It represents the moment Susan Williams-Ellis successfully combined avant-garde 1960's graphics with affordable manufacturing, creating a design that would save the factory from its own success.

From Gold to Black: An Economic Evolution

In 1961, Susan designed Gold Diamond, a luxury range that was hand-painted with expensive metallic lustres. While beautiful, it was incredibly costly to produce and labour-intensive. By 1963, Susan made a strategic pivot. She evolved the pattern into Black Diamond—a crisp, black-and-white graphic transfer pattern.

This move was a sensation. By reducing the cost of materials and labour, Portmeirion could offer high-fashion design at an affordable price. The result? The Gray’s factory was suddenly flooded with more orders than it could physically manage, cementing Portmeirion’s place in the modern home.

Identifying the Originals

Because Black Diamond was so popular, it was copied extensively by other manufacturers. To ensure you have an authentic Susan Williams-Ellis original, look for these specialist markers:

• The Handles: Authentic pieces were produced with three specific styles of handle.

• The Shapes: Black Diamond was primarily used for coffee ware (coffee cans and pots) and a select number of jug shapes. It was almost never produced as full dinnerware.

• The Material: While Black Diamond is earthenware, early Gold Diamond coffee cans can occasionally be found on bone china blanks—a rare crossover from the early factory days.

The 1960's Graphic Aesthetic

Black Diamond was the first of the "Portmeirion Graphic" patterns. Its bold, repetitive geometry perfectly captured the "Op-Art" and "Mod" spirit of the early 1960's. Today, it is highly sought after by Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts who value its sharp, architectural look over the later, more colourful botanical designs.

Looking for an authenticated 1963 original? Browse our Black Diamond collection here.