Sailing Ships | Pre-1978 Nautical Design

The Sailing Ships range is a rare "bridge" design, carried over from Gray’s Pottery in 1962 because of Susan Williams-Ellis’s personal admiration for the motifs. It combined the antique charm of 18th-century maritime engravings with Susan’s modern, architectural shapes, creating a look that was both heritage-rich and modern at the same time.

From Mariner’s Compass to Cylinder Shapes

Originally a Gray’s staple, Susan re imagined the nautical engravings by applying them to her sleek, mid-century Cylinder shapes.

• The Motifs: The range featured a variety of historic vessels alongside the iconic Mariner’s Compass motif, which often adorned lids or the centres of plates.

• The Items: This was a massive range, appearing on everything from refined coffee sets and covered boxes to more traditional chamber pots, storage jars, and Imperial tankards.

The Iconic "Sixties Turquoise"

While early versions were produced in classic monochrome, the late 1960's saw the introduction of a vibrant Turquoise colourway. This bright, fashionable hue became the defining look of the range throughout the 1970's and remains the most sought-after version for collectors of retro interiors.

The 1978 Portmeirion Fire

The story of Sailing Ships came to a dramatic and sudden end in 1978. A significant fire at the Portmeirion works destroyed the last remaining stocks of the original sailing ship prints.

• Extinction: Because the original transfers were lost in the blaze, the range could never be reproduced in its original form.

• Collectability: This "lost" status has made Sailing Ships one of the most highly collectable ranges in the Portmeirion archive. Every surviving piece is a pre-1978 artifact.

Collector’s Insight: The "Turquoise" Hunt

In 2026, the turquoise Sailing Ships pieces are considered "statement" items for coastal-themed homes. Collectors look specifically for storage jars with their original wooden lids and complete coffee services. Because the transfers were destroyed, the market is finite—what exists now is all there will ever be.

Searching for a pre-1978 Turquoise survivor? Browse our Sailing Ships gallery here.