Portmeirion Botanic Garden Dinner Plate Value Guide

The Portmeirion Botanic Garden dinner plate is a cornerstone of 20th-century British ceramics, famous for Susan Williams-Ellis's revolutionary concept of mixing varied floral motifs within one set. This specific plate features the vibrant Blue Passion Flower illustration, a design adapted from Thomas Green's 19th-century Universal Herbal prints.

What affects the value of Portmeirion Botanic Garden Dinner Plate?

• Condition of the glaze, specifically the presence of utensil marks or 'crazing' which can lower the value.
• The age of the backstamp, as earlier versions from the 1970s may carry a slight premium for specialized collectors.
• Overall vibrancy of the floral transfer print, ensuring no fading from excessive dishwasher use.
• Market demand for the Blue Passion Flower motif compared to other floral variations in the Botanic Garden series.

How to Identify Portmeirion Botanic Garden Dinner Plate?

• Look for the signature green laurel leaf border encircling the rim of the fine earthenware plate.
• Check the underside for the distinctive Portmeirion backstamp, which often includes the botanical name of the flower.
• Verify the central illustration is the 'Passiflora Caerulea' or Blue Passion Flower, rendered in detailed botanical style.
• Examine the glaze for a high-gloss finish characteristic of authentic United Kingdom production.

History of Portmeirion Botanic Garden Dinner Plate

Launched in 1972 by designer Susan Williams-Ellis, the Botanic Garden series revolutionized the pottery industry by using a variety of different floral illustrations within a single dinnerware set. The designs were adapted from 19th-century botanical prints, specifically Thomas Green's Universal Herbal.