Portmeirion Holly and Ivy
The Holly and Ivy Collection from Portmeirion Pottery
was originally launched in 1996 for the American "Holiday" market.
The traditional design which incorporates the popular 1600s British Christmas
Carol, of the same name, was an instant success. By the following year there
was a rising demand for the festive pattern in the UK and it was released
for general sale in the UK in 1997.
Holly and Ivy
Most pieces in the collection use lines from the Carol. Written in flowing script they add a sense of timeless tradition to this very traditional design. Holly and Ivy was originally launched on the cylindrical drum shape ceramics which had dominated Botanic Garden in the early years. As demand grew for the festive design the range was extended to include the more contemporary shapes such as Mandarin and Romantic.Retailers also saw a change in buying patterns
over the years. Holly and Ivy was first bought as single pieces
to compliment the customers Christmas table. As the pattern grew
in popularity the retailers found a growing demand for a complete
dinner service.The range continued to extend and as production
costs came down so did the retail selling price. This reduction
in price fuelled the growing demand for the pattern and sales
increased dramatically as customers added to their collections
year on year. To meet this demand new items and shapes were added.
The company understood that there were two markets for their Christmas
range. The first market was that of the full dinner service and
the second was for stand alone pieces to act as centre pieces
for the Christmas table. To satisfy both markets each year Portmeirion
added new items which were designed for both markets. The most
popular items from the other existing patterns, such as Botanic
Garden, were bought into the range offering not only traditional
tableware but also cookware and serving pieces. This gradual expansion
now means that Holly and Ivy offers a complete dinner service
for those who wish to use the design exclusively during the Christmas
period. Portmeirion were also mindful of the patterns appeal as
single focal items. In recent years they have introduced a number
of pieces, exclusive to Holly and Ivy, such as the Christmas Tree
Plate, Holly Shaped Dish and the Star Dish satisfying this demand.
Ranges of handpainted Glassware and candles were also introduced
in more recent years making the collection more versatile.
Holly and Ivy Retirements
In 2003 Portmeirion launched a range of Handpainted Glassware. The painting was delicate and iridescent but, like the handpainted ranges in Botanic Garden and Pomona, the glass failed to meet criteria set down in the U.S.A. and had to be changed to a bolder more solid design. Unfortunately thisdesign was less popular and the glassware was eventually retired in 2005. Another range retired in 2005 was Holly and Ivy Cutlery. A small range of serving cutlery with ceramic handles including cake and pastry servers, Bread Knife, Butter Knife, Cheese Knife and Salad servers on going problems with the handles when washed with modern detergents was the chief reason for the retirement of the range.