Portmeirion Glassware

In the late 1990s Portmeirion examined the ranges of accessories offered to compliment its ceramic collections and felt that there was an opportunity to offer well designed and well made glassware as part of many of its principle collections. Designing and sourcing the glassware was a new discipline for Portmeirion to master especially as not only were they looking for good quality products but also those which would offer their customers excellent value. Most ranges have been successful but have been manufactured by independent companies which has caused its own problems. Portmeirion have always claimed that they are pottery manufacturers and not glass makers and therefore have had to source their glass from outside the company but problems with Portmeirion's demand for the highest quality and consistent supply have meant that, although the glass has sold well, their patience has often run out with the manufacturer.

Traditional Crystal Glassware was first introduced as a Portmeirion range in 1986 when Susan Williams-Ellis consulted Dartington Crystal in order to design a range of seventeen pieces of cut crystal. The crystal was of the highest quality but owing to Dartingtons own problems on the high street the range was eventually retired in 2005

The most successful range of glassware introduced in the 1990's was the handpainted glass launched to co-ordinate with first Botanic Garden and later with Pomona, Holly and Ivy and Strawberry Fair. The original Botanic Garden range of drinking glasses were decorated with four of the most enduring motifs from the collection: Daisy, Cyclamen, Forget me Not and Speedwell. The range was originally quite small comprising of Tumbler, Hiball, Flute, Goblet, Pitcher, Bulb Vase, Hurricane Lamp, Salad Bowl and Ice bucket. The design appeared iridescent and although hugely popular the paint used to obtain the iridescent effect did not comply with US standards and was later changed to a bolder and more solid decoration. Demand was high and Portmeirion added more items to the glassware range including vases, vanity set and oil and vinegar bottles. Available until 2005 the range was then gradually retired as ongoing problems with manufacture and supply along with a slowing down of demand meant that it was no longer cost effective to continue.

Portmeirion's ability to introduce contemporary design into its ceramic ranges was extended to new glassware launched in the early part of the new millennium. Bubble Glass, a chunky modern glassware evoking an image of relaxed entertaining and user friendly design, was first available in 2000. Originally available in light blue, it was introduced to complement the Beachcomber range and although the Beachcomber pattern failed to capture the public imagination the glassware was a run away success. The glass was quickly made available in Aubergine so that it would fit in perfectly with the Dusk pattern and its existing glass accessories. In 2003 the blue bubble glass was relaunched in a deeper more definite shade of Cobalt blue which was then complimented by Blue Pearlescent glass. Again the glass has been extremely popular but difficulties with supply in more recent years has meant that there has been long periods when the glass has been unavailable and the quality and consistency in colour has led to its eventual retirement in 2005

Other contemporary glassware which experienced the identical problems of Bubble Glass was frosted Swirl. Originally a white frosted glass with grey swirls of colour the glass was later relaunched in two new colour ways of Blue and Lilac. Heavy and Excellent value for money the range looked to be a long term winner but unfortunately it was unable to avoid the problems which befell Bubble glass and it too was retired in 2005.

Other small ranges of glassware which have been available from Portmeirion are Duo Glass, an aubergine glass blushed with blue at the base, launched to compliment Dusk, and some decorative ranges such as Carnival, Cosmos, Echo, Finesse, Lavender and Metropolis. All these ranges have now been retired.

Portmeirion continues to offer smaller ranges of glassware to compliment the company's ceramic ranges and more information can be found about these ranges on our Portmeirion Glass information Page