Totem | The Iconic 1963 Design Classic

Launched in 1963, Totem was inspired by Susan’s fascination with Native American and African "primitive" art. The design features a bold, embossed geometric pattern that creates a high-relief texture across the surface of the pottery. It was a radical departure from the floral patterns of the time and became an instant symbol of the "Mod" era.

The "Pooling" Glaze Technique

The genius of Totem lay in its translucent glaze. Because the pattern was embossed into the clay, the glaze would "pool" in the recessed areas and run thin over the raised geometric edges.

• Visual Depth: This created a striking two-tone effect of light and shadow, emphasising the "totemic" symbols without the need for hand-painting or multiple firings.

• The "Cylinder" Revolution: Totem was the range that truly popularised Susan’s Cylinder shapes—the tall, elegant coffee pots and upright storage jars that defined the mid-century British kitchen.

The Colour Palette

Totem was produced in a spectrum of colours that perfectly captured the evolving moods of the 1960's:

• The Classics:Amber (the most iconic), Olive Green, and Cobalt Blue.

• The Rarities:Sage Green, Ice Blue, Celadon, and White. These lighter colours are particularly prized today as they offer a cleaner, more minimalist look.

Identifying Early "First Editions"

For the dedicated archivist, the spout is the key.

• The Early Spout: The very first Cylinder teapots produced in 1963 featured a shorter, "cut-off" spout.

• The Redesign: This was quickly lengthened in later production runs to improve the "pour," making those original short-spout versions rare and highly collectable "first-state" items.

Collector’s Insight: The Museum Standard

Totem is widely regarded as a design classic, appearing in various international museum collections as a representative of 1960's aesthetic innovation. In 2026, it remains a "must-have" for any serious collector of British pottery.

• Mixing Colours: A major trend in modern collecting is "The Rainbow Shelf," where collectors display a mix of different Totem colours (e.g., Amber next to Cobalt Blue) to highlight the textural consistency of the range.

• The Finish: Look for pieces where the glaze is even and free of "pooling bubbles," which can occasionally occur in the deeper recesses of the pattern.