A sophisticated and inspirational collection, complimentary mandarin shape ceramics and contemporary accessories combine to provide endless ideas for the modern interior.

Dusk

Portmeirion Dusk Launched in 2000 is one the most successful new pattern launched in the last 10 years. Designed by Jo Gorman, it was inspired by the gentle colours seen at dusk and the natural world. A delicate leaf design emboldened by vivid and contemporary colours set on a pale watercolour background makes the pattern both striking and contemporary. From pale lilacs and greys to deep blues and aubergines, nature provides the inspiration across the collection of practical yet beautiful dinner and giftware ranges. It was designed to give a sultry and sophisticated air to 21st century dining. Using sumptuous shades it perfectly reflects the current trend in interior design colours.

Dusk's design roots were in the earlier design, Seasons Leaves, which enjoyed success when launched in 1999. Designed with the help of Queensbury Hunt Levien, it marked a change of direction for the company, away from the traditional archival designs of Botanic Garden and Pomona towards a more contemporary and informal look, catering for the switch from formal to more informal entertaining.

Seasons Leaves also saw the introduction of the new mandarin shape modelled by Susan Williams-Ellis and this new shape became the corner stone of Dusk. Its geometric lines and curves harked back to the 1960s and were perfectly suited for the revived interest in retro styling.
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Cookware and Giftware

The popularity of the initial small range led to Portmeirion extending and investing in the pattern to form a complete dinner service along with complimentary cookware and giftware.

Originally part of a partnership with the subtler and more understated Dawn design, it was Dusk that appealed to the customer and Dawn was retired in 2004.

Glassware and Accessories

One of the contributory factors to the collection's phenomenal success was Portmeirion's innovation of combining striking and functional glassware into the range. The glassware proved not only to be the perfect partner for the range but soon became collectable in its own right. The initial ranges of Aubergine Pearlescent Glass and Frosted Swirl Glass were soon complemented by stemware, drinking glasses and giftware in Aubergine Bubble Glass. As a contrast Portmeirion also launched a second range of glassware, Duo. A finer and more elegant glassware combinining the patterns striking aubergine and blue colours, it too was an instant success.

Of course, in the effort to find the perfect range items are launched and then retired when they fail to capture the customer's imagination or present difficulties with maintaining quality and availability where manufacture was sub-contracted. Both the Bathroom range and Satin Matt giftware had only a very short shelf life and the range was slimmed and standardized in 2004. The dark blue colour of tea and coffee saucers was replaced by the mottled watercolour effect already used throughout the range.

Portmeirion Dusk Cookware and Storageware have both slimmed to offer the most popular and functional sizes ensuring that the amazing success of Dusk continues well into the 21st century. Glassware has also been reduced in 2006 with the retirement of Frosted Swirl and Bubble Glass although the the most popular range, Aubergine Pearlescent, continues for the time being.