Magic City | 1960's Architectural Design

Launched in 1966, Magic City is one of Susan Williams-Ellis’s most imaginative creations. Inspired by her own global travels and a sense of post-war wanderlust, the design is a celebratory montage of exotic cityscapes. It features intricate, dome-topped buildings, slender towers, and exploding fireworks, all rendered with a fine, sketch-like precision that suggests a city in the midst of a grand festival.

Designed for the Serif Shape

Magic City was specifically designed for the Serif shape, and the pairing was a stroke of genius. The sweeping, organic curves and distinctive handles of the Serif hollowware provided the perfect canvas for the wrapping architectural landscapes.

• The Verticality: The tall coffee pots allowed the towers and spires of the "Magic City" to stretch upward, creating a sense of scale and grandeur.

• Instant Success: Upon its release, the design was an immediate hit, capturing the hearts of a public eager for sophisticated, cosmopolitan style.

From the Kitchen to the Auction House

Magic City holds a special place in Portmeirion history as the first pattern to be regularly featured in British auction houses. This transition from retail shops to the secondary collector’s market in the early 1970's cemented its status as a genuine design classic.

• Production Years: The range enjoyed a successful run from 1966 until the early 1970's.

• Collectability: Because it was the first "investment" piece for many collectors, early examples in pristine condition are highly prized.

Identifying Magic City

The design is usually found in a crisp black print on white ware, though the depth of the "firework" detail can vary between firings. Because it was so popular, it was produced across a wide variety of items, including:

• Storage Jars & Rolling Pins: Bringing the "Magic City" into every corner of the kitchen.

• Tableware: Including plates and bowls where the city skyline often hugs the rim.

Looking for an auction-grade Magic City piece? Browse our Magic City collection here.

If you love the futuristic style of Magic City, you may also like: Magic Garden.