Portmeirion Dolphin Vintage Presentation Box Set, D19
Portmeirion

A vintage Portmeirion Dolphin design Presentation Box Set in Yellow, by Susan Williams-Ellis. Purely Portmeirion.

An extremely rare, yellow, boxed presentation gift set, originally sold in the Portmeirion Antique Shop in Pont Street Belgravia London SW1. This was a very upmarket shop in London's West End, and included royalty amongst its customers. All the pieces are unused and have 24ct gold gilding.

The Pont Street shop was run by Sam Beazley; an actor, antique expert, painter and a cousin of Susan's father, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The Portmeirion showroom was above the antique store and was run by Frank Thrower and his wife Inga. Frank was well known for Scandinavian glass.

A mermaid panel from the Liverpool Sailors Home was installed by Sir Clough in front of the shop.

The set consists of four spice jars, all with gilding to the jars and the lids. An oil bottle and a vinegar bottle, both with gilding to the bottle rims and all over the stoppers. A rolling pin with a ceramic body and wooden handles.

These lovely unused pieces are all displayed in a green display box and lid hinged with ribbons, with the items all set in a gold coloured cut out liner. The box does show a little sign of age.

This is a very rare and highly unusual part of the Dolphin range and almost impossible to find. They were never produced in large quantities and finding a complete unused set in the original presentation box is extremely rare. So if you are a true fan and collector of one of Susan Williams-Ellis's most desirable designs, then this set is a must for you. In fact this is a real historical museum piece.

Approx Dimensions:-

Spice Jars

3.25 in (8 cm) tall 

2.5 in (6 cm) diam

Oil & Vinegar Bottles

6.5 in (16.5 cm) tall

Rolling Pin

17.5 in (44.5 cm) handle to handle

Presentation Box

18 in (46 cm) x 12.25 in (31 cm)

x 3.75 in (9.5 cm)

Dolphin

The Dolphin design was initially produced by Gray's exclusively for the Portmeirion shops. This design in all it's colours would easily harmonise with any kitchen colour scheme. The design consists of an architectural type pediment motif in the centre, with a stylised dolphin either side. The very centre can either contain shells or text. The entire motif is then surrounded by stylised swags of leaves or possibly seaweed knowing Susan's love of marine life. The Dolphin range was produced in lime, grey, orange, dark green, lavender, turquoise and pink on various shapes and items. Very early items were produced with the sumptuous Sunderland-style pink lustre and carry the Gray's clipper backstamp. The design probably ceased production by 1968 and has become one of the most collectable designs today. A must for any Portmeirion collector.