Birds of Britain | Beautiful Bird Motifs

Conceived by Susan Williams-Ellis in 1974 and launched in 1977, Birds of Britain followed the successful "encyclopedic" formula of Botanic Garden. However, instead of flowers, Susan turned her eye to the animal kingdom, specifically the stunning 18th-century engravings from E. Donovan’s "Natural History of British Birds."

A Global Debut

The range had a prestigious launch, sold exclusively through John Lewis in the UK and Bitossi in Italy. While it became a massive success in the USA and mainland Europe, Susan was always puzzled by its more modest reception in the UK—a mystery that only adds to the range's allure for British collectors today.

The "Banned" Birds: Cultural Curiosities

The most intriguing aspect of the Birds of Britain history lies in the motifs that were removed due to cultural sensitivities. These "censored" pieces are now the most valuable in the range:

• The Barn Owl (Ill Omen): To satisfy the Italian market, the Barn Owl was removed because it was considered a sign of bad luck or an ill omen in Italian folklore.

• The Black Cock (Naming Issues): This motif was discontinued because its name was deemed potentially off-putting to some markets at the time.

Collector's Note: Because both the Barn Owl and the Black Cock were discontinued early (around 1985), they are significantly rarer than the more common Kingfishers or Robins. Finding these in 2026 is a major milestone for any completist.

Production & Longevity

• Initial Run: 1977–1997.

• The Final Editions: While the range was officially retired in 1997, Portmeirion continued to fulfill "special orders" for dedicated collectors as late as 2002.

At Purely Portmeirion, we specialise in sourcing discontinued Birds of Britain replacements, with a particular focus on the sought-after early green band editions. We carry over 40 different motifs, from common favourites like the Robin and Blue Tit to the exceptionally rare Barn Owl and Black Cock—motifs that were retired in 1985 and are now highly collectable.

Whether you are seeking a jumbo breakfast cup or a specific 10-inch dinner plate to complete your set, our authenticated vintage pieces are vetted for glaze quality and transfer clarity.

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