Zodiac Mugs | The John Cuffley 1970 Design

Following the success of commemorative pieces for the Moon Landing, Susan Williams-Ellis tasked her assistant designer, John Cuffley, with creating a 12-part series based on the signs of the Zodiac. Cuffley, a former jazz drummer with an extraordinary talent for calligraphy and intricate line work, produced a design that was both ancient in spirit and perfectly "1970's" in execution.

The "Crochet" Aesthetic & "Old English" Lore

What makes the Zodiac range truly unique are the hidden details within Cuffley’s illustrations:

• Textured Illustrations: Upon close inspection, the figures of the star signs appear to be wearing 70's style crocheted garments—a subtle nod to the "Boho" fashion trends occurring outside the factory walls.

• The "Old English" Scripts: Susan herself spent time researching ancient astrological texts to create mock "Old English" descriptions for each sign.

• The Parchment Border: Early editions featured the text within a stylized parchment-scroll border. To make the text more legible and prominent, this border was later removed, marking a clear "first" and "second" state for collectors.

Shapes and Production

The Zodiac range was primarily a "Mug and Tankard" phenomenon, though its popularity led to several short-lived expansions:

• The Staples: Produced heavily on the half-pint Imperial tankards and slip-handled mugs from 1970 through the late 70's.

• The Rarities: For a limited time, the patterns were applied to plates, dishes, bottles, and airtight jars. These non-mug items are significantly harder to find and are the "crown jewels" for Zodiac completists.

Collector’s Insight: The "Jazz" Connection

In 2026, John Cuffley’s work is highly regarded for its precision.

• The Calligraphy: Because of his background as a drummer, his line work has a "rhythm" and consistency that is rare in ceramic transfers.

• The "First State" Border: Serious collectors hunt specifically for the parchment border versions of the mugs, as these represent the very first production run before the design was simplified.

• The "Full Set" Challenge: Finding all 12 signs in the same shape and glaze condition is the ultimate goal for many enthusiasts, often taking years to complete.