Portmeirion Sporting Scenes Leech Jar, SPS13
Portmeirion Pottery

Sporting Scenes Leech Jar, Fishing Scene – Designed by Susan Williams-Ellis

The Design

Own a piece of British design history. This Sporting Scenes very rare Leech jar features the artwork of Thomas Bewick, and was re imagined on old Kirkham's designs by Susan Williams-Ellis. Sporting Scenes was launched in 1963. 

Product Details

• Brand: Portmeirion.

• Designer: Susan Williams-Ellis.

• Pattern: Sporting Scenes.

• Dimensions: Approximately 9 in / 23 cm to the top of lid x 7 in /18 cm handle to handle  x  4.25 in / 11 cm base diam

• Backstamp: Portmeirion Pottery.

• Origin: Made in Stoke-on-Trent, England

Condition Report

At Purely Portmeirion, we pride ourselves on honest, expert curation. This vintage piece is in Good condition.

• Imperfections: Age related crazing to the glaze. Small underglaze production mark.

• Wear: None

• Structural: There is a small repair on the lid.(Please refer to our high-resolution photos for a detailed visual inspection.)

Sporting Scenes

During the late eighteenth century, Thomas Bewick was one of the most recognisable and talented wood engravers. His illustrations of his beloved country life were freely available copyright free. Susan Williams-Ellis made use of some of his illustrations, turning them into her 'Country Life' and 'Sporting Scenes' designs. Although some of these had previously been used at Kirkham's before the takeover, Susan gave them a new lease of life by re-working the Sporting Scenes designs and placing them on her contemporary and revamped Victorian shaped pottery in 1963. The 'Country Life' designs were less popular and were fazed out after a decade, but 'Sporting Scenes' continued on until the early 1970's being printed in black on various colours, including turquoise, orange and acid yellow, on a wide range of shapes.