Marble | Rare 1961 Victorian Found Design

The Marble range is one of the most elusive and intriguing chapters in the early Portmeirion story. Born from the 1961 acquisition of Kirkham’s Factory, this design was not an original creation of Susan Williams-Ellis, but rather a "rescue" of a forgotten Victorian stock print.

A Victorian Discovery

Among the artifacts Susan acquired at Kirkham’s was a small collection of antique transfers. She was immediately drawn to a brown and black marbled pattern that mimicked the organic swirling of natural stone.

• Experimental Origins: At the same time she was developing the legendary Moss Agate range, Susan began experimenting with these Victorian marble transfers.

• The "Tuscan" & "Gray's" Connection: Like Moss Agate, these transfers were applied to high-quality pre-made ware (often bone china or fine earthenware blanks) that Susan had on hand during this transitional period.

Rarity & Finish

Marble was never destined for full commercial production. Because Susan only had a very limited quantity of the original Victorian transfers to work with, the output was incredibly small.

• The Gilded Touch: To elevate the design, Susan added a hint of gold gilding to some pieces, creating a luxurious contrast between the earthy brown/black marble and the bright metallic lustre.

• The Look: The result is a striking, "heavy" aesthetic that feels both ancient and mid-century modern.

Collector’s Status: The Rarest Find

Because of its extremely limited run, most Portmeirion collectors have never even seen a piece of Marble in person. It is considered significantly rarer than Malachite or Gold Diamond. Finding an item today—especially a tapered mug or apothecary jar—is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for a serious archivist.

Searching for a museum-grade Marble original? Browse our Early Rarities archive here.