The Hidden Fortune In Your Cupboard: Why Portmeirion 'Birds Of Britain 1978' Is Worth A Small Fortune

The Portmeirion 'Birds of Britain' collection from 1978 is not just a set of vintage tableware; it represents a pinnacle of collectible British pottery, with certain rare pieces commanding surprisingly high prices on the current market. Conceived by the legendary designer Susan Williams-Ellis, this series introduced a timeless blend of natural history and functional design, distinguishing itself from the more common *Botanic Garden* line with its elegant, detailed ornithological prints. As of Monday, December 15, 2025, the value and desirability of the original 1978 pieces continue to climb, driven by a passionate global community of collectors seeking the distinct early backstamps and retired bird motifs. The enduring appeal lies in the collection's unique blend of historical art and mid-century modern practicality. Unlike mass-produced ceramics, the *Birds of Britain* series offers a direct connection to both the 18th-century naturalist E. Donovan and the visionary creativity of Williams-Ellis. Understanding the specific design history and the vital importance of the 1978 manufacturing mark is the key to unlocking the true value of any piece you might own or wish to acquire.

Susan Williams-Ellis: The Visionary Behind Portmeirion

The entire story of the *Birds of Britain* collection is inextricably linked to the life and genius of its designer, Susan Williams-Ellis. Her innovative approach transformed the world of British ceramics and established Portmeirion Pottery as a household name. Susan Caroline Williams-Ellis was born on June 6, 1918, in England. Her father was the renowned Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who purchased and developed the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion in North Wales in 1925. This unique, whimsical environment undoubtedly fostered Susan's own creative spirit. She co-founded Portmeirion Pottery in 1960, initially focusing on producing souvenir ware for the village. Her design philosophy was revolutionary for the time: she believed that good design should be accessible and functional, not just confined to high-end galleries. This democratic approach to design led to the creation of her most famous lines, including the *Magic City* range, *Talisman*, and, most notably, *Botanic Garden* (1972). Williams-Ellis conceived the idea for the *Birds of Britain* range in 1974, launching it first in 1977 before its widespread distribution in 1978. She passed away on November 26, 2007, at the age of 89, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence ceramic design today.

Why the 1978 'Birds of Britain' Collection is a Collector's Holy Grail

The specific 1978 date is critical for collectors, marking the year the series was introduced to the wider market after an initial exclusive launch to John Lewis in the UK and Bitossi in Italy in 1977. Pieces bearing the authentic early backstamp are highly sought after due to their historical significance and the generally high quality of the early production runs.

The E. Donovan Connection: A 1794 Legacy

The beautiful, detailed illustrations that adorn the *Birds of Britain* pottery are not original to Susan Williams-Ellis, but rather a brilliant adaptation of historical artwork. Williams-Ellis sourced the images from the classic volume *Natural History of British Birds*, originally published in 1794 by the naturalist and illustrator E. Donovan. This artistic decision instantly gave the collection an air of authenticity and timelessness, appealing directly to bird lovers and antique enthusiasts. The designs feature over 40 distinct bird motifs, each meticulously rendered with scientific accuracy, often surrounded by a tasteful green vine border.

Identifying the Vintage: The Crucial 1978 Backstamp

For serious collectors, the backstamp is everything. A piece's value can fluctuate wildly based on the exact mark stamped on its base. The most desirable pieces from the launch period often feature an "old back stamp" or "printed backstamp" that specifically mentions the source and the designer. Look for a mark that reads something similar to: "PORTMEIRION, DESIGNED BY SUSAN WILLIAMS-ELLIS, MADE IN ENGLAND," often accompanied by the specific bird name. Crucially, the most collectible 1978 pieces may also include a reference to the source material: "E. Donovan 1794, Susan Williams Ellis 1978." The presence of the *1978* date confirms the piece is from the earliest widespread production run, making it a premium item.

The Most Prized Pieces: A Collector's Guide to Rare 'Birds of Britain' Motifs

While a common dinner plate featuring a popular bird like the Robin or Blue Tit might sell for $20-$40 individually, the true value lies in the rare shapes, retired motifs, and complete sets. A 39-piece dinner service, for example, has recently been listed for sale at a price of 1,300 € (approximately $1,400 USD), demonstrating the high value of a complete collection.

List of Collectible Portmeirion 'Birds of Britain' Entities (1978-Present)

The collection boasts over 40 distinct bird motifs, but certain pieces and species are far rarer than others. Collecting all 40+ is a major achievement for any enthusiast. Here are 25 key entities, including rare birds and valuable shapes, that define the *Birds of Britain* collection and topical authority:

1. Susan Williams-Ellis: The primary designer and founder.
2. E. Donovan: The 18th-century naturalist whose illustrations were used.
3. Grey Phalarope: A particularly rare bird motif, often found on canisters.
4. Little Egret: A highly sought-after motif, sometimes featured on large quiche dishes or bowls.
5. Harlequin Duck: A rare duck motif, sometimes found on mixing bowls.
6. Nightingale: A classic but less common bird, found on mugs and cups.
7. Willow Warbler: A rare bird motif, sometimes featured on small planters.
8. Magpie: A striking design, known to appear on Canton Vases.
9. Gold Finch: A popular, yet valuable, small bird design.
10. Blue Tit: A common, but consistently popular, motif.
11. Jumbo Breakfast Cup: An uncommon, oversized shape with a high collector value.
12. Canton Vase: A decorative, non-tableware shape that is highly prized.
13. Storage Canister/Jar: Often featuring rare birds like the Grey Phalarope.
14. Large Quiche Dish: A rare, large format piece.
15. Bread Plates (Small): Rare early production runs of small plates.
16. Portmeirion Pottery: The manufacturing company.
17. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis: Susan's father and founder of Portmeirion Village.
18. Green Vine Border: The distinctive trim around the bird illustrations.
19. Bitossi: The initial Italian distributor of the 1977 launch.
20. John Lewis: The initial exclusive UK retailer of the 1977 launch.
21. Vintage Portmeirion: The broader category of collectible items.
22. Retired Motifs: Any bird design that was discontinued in later production runs, increasing its scarcity.
23. 1794 Natural History: The original publication date of the E. Donovan book.
24. Acorn Motif: A common detail used in the border or secondary illustrations.
25. Tableware: The functional category of the collection (plates, bowls, cups).

The price of a single, rare piece—such as a Grey Phalarope canister—can easily exceed $100 in excellent condition, while common mugs often sell in the $15-$25 range. The market for *vintage Portmeirion* remains robust, with specific interest in the *Birds of Britain* line continuing to grow among new generations of collectors who appreciate its detailed, naturalistic aesthetic. The 1978 Portmeirion *Birds of Britain* collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic design and natural history. The series is a valuable investment for collectors, not just because of its age, but because of the specific historical mark, the source of its illustrations, and the genius of Susan Williams-Ellis. Before you use that old bowl for your cereal, take a moment to flip it over. That small, printed backstamp might just reveal a hidden fortune.