Idols of the Stage | Rare 1970's Sepia Design

As the 1960's drew to a close, Susan Williams-Ellis moved away from her signature black-and-white graphic prints and began experimenting with the evocative power of photography. Launched at the start of the 1970's, Idols of the Stage is a nostalgic tribute to the early 2000th-century theatre, capturing the romance and drama of a bygone era.

The Photographic Aesthetic

The range features sepia-toned photographs of actors and actresses from the early 1900's, posing in elaborate theatrical costumes. To ground these photographic images into the ceramic medium, Susan surrounded them with intricate, hand-drawn ornate borders.

Unlike the starkness of Favorite Horsemen, the sepia print on white ware gave these pieces a warm, "antique" feel that was highly fashionable in the 1970's.

The "French Connection": Chaumette, Paris

A large majority of the Idols of the Stage production was intended for the international market, specifically Europe and Scandinavia. This led to a fascinating quirk for collectors:

• The Chaumette Backstamp: Many items from this range can be found with the name 'Chaumette, Paris' on the base and no mention of Portmeirion.

• The French Department Store: Chaumette was a prestigious French store that sold these items as store-exclusive luxury ware. Finding a "Chaumette" marked piece is a highlight for any serious Portmeirion historian.

Rarity & Shapes

Because production numbers were relatively low, certain items have become exceptionally rare:

• Storage Jars & Tankards: These are the most common finds and display the theatrical portraits beautifully.

• Large Breakfast Cups: A staple of the 1970's "lifestyle" wares.

• The Elusive Coffee Sets: The coffee ware from this range is incredibly difficult to find, as very few sets were produced before the range was discontinued.

Collector's Note

In 2026, the "Dark Academia" and "Victorian Theatre" aesthetics are trending heavily. This has led to a surge in demand for Idols of the Stage. Its unique combination of photography and illustration makes it a standout "conversation piece" for any display.

Searching for a rare 'Chaumette' piece? Browse our Idols of the Stage collection here.