2003 Diary

Diary 2003

This page contains the entries from our diary section in 2003.

THE 2003 DIARY

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2003

	We would like to wish all our customers and friends in America a very happy Thanksgiving Also a very big Thank You to Vicki in Houston for all her help in educating us Brits about Thanksgiving- Hope you have a great one Vicki!

Strawberry Fair
Srawberry Fairis beginning to arrive. We already have stocks of Plates and Bowls and expect further items to be with us before Christmas. It's a really lovely design and brightens the range beautifully. There is going to further huge investment in Pomona in 2004, so expect some big changes to this ever popular range. To see the new Strawberry pattern please click on the link Strawberry Fair



HOLLY AND IVY (Ceramics)
A number of new ceramic lines have been added to the Holly and Ivy range this year. They include Giftware (Star Dish, Holly Leaf Shaped Dish & Votive Candle), Cookware (Sovereign Range Ovals in 3 sizes), Tableware (new 11" Steak Platter) and Serving pieces (Comport, Sorbet dishes & Sovereign Range Platters in 2 sizes) To visit whats new this season in Holly and Ivy please click on the link New Holly and Ivy



HOLLY AND IVY (Handpainted Glass)
The new Holly and Ivy Handpainted Glass is now in stock. To visit Holly and Ivy Handpainted Glass please click on the link Holly and Ivy Handpainted Glass



POMONA
The new Handpainted Glass in Pomona is begining to arrive in stock. so far we have the Comport, Pitcher and Salad Bowl. We are very impressed with this new range and look forward to receiving the drinking glassware very soon. To visit Pomona Handpainted Glass please click on the link Pomona Handpainted Glass
BOTANIC GARDEN
The new items in Botanic Garden Handpainted Glass are now in stock. To visit Handpainted Glass please click on the link Handpainted Glass



AUGUST 2003
A Glorious August, weather wise at least, and due to it's versatility a lot of Portmeirion Pottery has been serving you well at barbeques. We hope you have all enjoyed this wonderful summer in the UK and we hope we don't have to start dusting down our raincoats too soon. Elsewhere around the world temperatures seem to have been extraordinarily high and we hope that hasn't caused anyone problems.
New Holly & Ivy Glass The New Holly and Ivy Glassware has just arrived and it is a great addition to the range. This is going to prove to be very popular but we predict the same supply problems that always accompany the glass ranges. This problem is always exacerbated at Christmas when demand peaks. Here's hoping we are wrong! but if you are interested in the glassware we would suggest early ordering would probably be wise.
New Lilac Meadow New LILAC MEADOW is now available. It is a light and refreshing pattern in the same style shape as Dusk. It manages to combine both a contemporary design with an unmistakeable traditional feel. This is a pattern that will appeal to all ages, not as adventurous as Dusk, it's softer appearance in graded shades of Lilac is relaxing and calm. Visit our Lilac Meadow pages by clicking on the link below: LILAC MEADOW
Pomona & Strawberry Fair Huge confusion with the new Strawberry pattern. We tried to find out exactly how the new motif is being introduced and when, but as yet no one was willing to commit themselves. We tried to find out when the new boarded plates and bowls were going to be introduced, but no one knew that either. We tried to find out whether the pear was reverting to the old green Squashed Pear, but no one could say. In addition we also hope the new handpainted Pomona Glass is on the way. When it will arrive......No one could say!! As you can see lot of questions waiting to be answered but now the holidays are coming to an end we think Portmeirion will be making a lot of decisions over the next few weeks. Watch this space!
Light Blue Beachcomber Bubble Glass Unfortunately stocks have now run out of Beachcomber Light Blue Bubble Glass. We have now removed this category from our shop. On the brighter side there are now 2 new Bubble Glass colourways. Aubergine and Cobalt Blue. Visit our Bubble Glass Pages by clicking on the link below: BUBBLE GLASS

JULY 2003
It doesn't seem possible to be half way through the year already. A lot has been happening in the world of Portmeirion and Kings and Queens. We will try and bring you up to date with some of the more interesting developments. Botanic Garden Sweet Pea Sweet Pea has proved to be as popular as we expected and all the pieces are currently available although they do tend to sell out quickly. Handpainted Glass The handpainted glass has been extended again to include new vases and a caraffe set. To view these items follow this link to our Handpainted Glass pages. Still to come in 2003 a new 3 piece Vanity Set, Flared Vase and Footed Comport. These items will be added to the Handpainted Glass category as soon as they become available New Vanity Set (coming soon) Printed Glass The Printed tumblers and Hiballs have been available for some time and sold well. The glasses are sturdy and reasonably priced and were extremely popular for wedding gifts. The range desperately needed to be extended and soon there will be the launch of Wine Goblets and Champagne Flutes along with a new range of Tumblers and Hiballs. The set of 6 glasses will normally retail as follows: Tumbler set of 6 rrp £15.00 our price £12.76 Hiball set of 6 rrp £18.00 our price £15.32 Wine Goblets set of 6 rrp £20.00 our price £17.02 Champagne Flutes set of 6 rrp £20.00 our price £17.02 Only disappointing quality pictures as yet but once again as soon as the range becomes available we will post a link here. New Packaging For the second half of 2003 portmeirion are launching a new gift packaging for their products. Selective items will be presented in new boxes with a Polypropolene front.

Pomona BORDERS Pomona is all set for a brand new revamp. We are going to see a harmonisation of the pattern as the leaf border is going to be introduced on to the rim of the 10", 8", 6" Plate, Soup Plate, Oatmeal Bowl and the Mandarin Mug. The plain bordered items will remain available for the time being but experience has taught us to be aware that when a pattern is re-vamped it often means the old pattern will start to disappear in 6-12 months. New Fruit for 2003 The biggest news is that at long last a Strawberry is being introduced to replace the Plum. I have always had a soft spot for the Plum and will be sorry to see it go but I must admit that it's re-colouring a few years ago didn't do it any favours!!. Q Is the new Strawberry going to be available on the old style un-bordered plates? A Unfortunately we haven't managed to pin anyone down with a definate answer. We haven't given up so as soon as a decision is made we will post the news here. New Glass After the storming success of handpainted Botanic Garden Glass there is going to be a Handpainted Pomona Glass Range. Available very soon we have only seen the original "Mock Ups" but even these were brilliant and we thought perhaps the fruit looked even better than Botanic! Unfortunately these pictures do not do the range any favours, trust us they are really nice! New Items The new sovereign range has been excellent and everyone seems to like the new Sorbet dishes. Don't forget to vist our Pomona Shop pages to keep up to date with all the new products
HOLLY & IVY New Pottery lines are to be launched for 2003 extending the range to include some more decorative pieces including a new holly shaped dish, a Star Dish and a brand new style Votive candle. Practical pieces join the range like the new romantic shaped Salt and Pepper. By popular demand a full range of handpainted glass is also being launched. The pieces included in the range will be the Goblet set of 2 rrp £15.00 our price £12.76 Wine Glass set of 2 rrp £15.00 our price £12.76 Champagne Flute set of 2 rrp £15.00 our price £12.76 Highball set of 2 rrp £15.00 our price £12.76 Tumbler set of 2 rrp £15.00 our price £12.76

The Glasses are not yet generally available but as soon as we can we will be including them in Holly and Ivy's pages

RETIRED ITEMS
As the year moves on we are finding that it is getting increasingly difficult to get hold of retired items. We would suggest that if you are interested in any retired pieces availability is low on many pieces and you would be well advised to order now.

A SNEAK PREVIEW

Portmeirion like to be very secretive about their new products so it is very rare to get a sneak preview of their latest pattern "Lilac Meadow". You will be seeing this before many stores, as it has yet to be officially unveiled. The pattern is due to be generally available in August 2003 but as many Portmeirion collectors know their timescales are not always predictable, but at least it is normally worth waiting for. The full range will be on the site once the stock is available but in the meantime we hope you enjoy your glimpse of the future and we just hope we don't get told off!

We have yet to see the real thing and we were told that the pattern is a little darker than the picture suggests (We think the below is more accurate). We are looking forward to getting it into the shop and we all have high hopes for it in the future. As soon as stocks are available we will launch the range in full on the web site.

Pearlescent Glass Ranges
Pearescent Glassware goes from strength to strength. The Aubergine range has now been joined by a spectacular Cobalt Blue. The demand for Pearlescent Glass has been so great we have added it to the Shop as a seperate category. You can view the Pearlescent Glass Ranges by clicking on this link. The Pearlescent Glass can also be accessed from the main shop.
BUBBLE GLASS
Availability is improving with Bubble Glass but despite the horrible delays of the last 12 months it is still one of our top selling lines. The glasses are chunky and user friendly. Each one holds about a 1/3 of a bottle of wine so they cut down on the need to move! The introduction of Cobalt Blue has made the range bolder which seems to fit the glass perfectly. Once again the demand for Bubble Glass is such that we have also given it it's own category. To visit the Bubble Glass Ranges click on this link. Bubble Glass can also be accessed from the main shop.
FROSTED SWIRL Frosted Swirl Glass has seen a relaunch of the entire range. The original colour was considered too insipid and so stronger colourways have been introduced. The Blue and Lilac shades compliment each other and the collection can be mixed to create a stunning effect. The swirling pattern gives each piece movement and form, and with no two pieces ever being identical it is like acquiring an individual work of art. To view the new Frosted Swirl Ranges please click on the link here. Frosted Swirl can also be accessed from the main shopping pages.
MUGS An exciting collection of contemporary mugs from two of Britain's foremost young designers, Joanne Gorman and Rob Scotton. The collection includes many designs taking their lead from nature. These are complemented by amusing and beautifully drawn caricatures from the world of sport, animals and traditional designs. To visit The Mug Collections please click on this link New extensions to the Farmyard Friends and Pampered Pet ranges will include storage jars later in the year. As soon as the products are available we will add them to the web site. The Mug Collection can also be accessed from the main shop

As more information becomes available we will try to update these pages as soon as possible. We would like to thank all our customers for their support, it has been a pleasure talking and e-mailing you all.
PREVIOUS DIARY ENTRIES
From www.kingsandqueenswales.com The Portmeirion Specialists
JANUARY 2003
As we enter 2003 we know that there are changes afoot at Portmeirion. Some changes come out of the blue but we are lucky enough to get wind of some of the new patterns, retirements and new products in advance. We thought it would be helpful to pass this information on to our customers. So check out the latest information on this page which we will endeavour to update as often as posssible. Dont forget that if you have a specific question you would like to ask us please e-mail me at ASK ANDREA Of course Portmeirion are not the only ones changing. We have had such a busy 2002 and have also had so much fun e-mailing our customers around the world that we too are changing to improve our services to you. We will keep you updated on these pages of all improvements to our website throughout 2003.
Portmeirion have announced a huge list of retirements for 2003. Patterns to go in their entirety : Dawn Butterflies Beachcomber Beachcomber Bubble Glass Blue Beachcomber Cast iron Beachcomber Driftwood Beachcomber Glass Platters Beachcomber Textiles Beachcomber Tablemats Amabel Amabel Glassware Amabel Textiles Totem Starfire - Opal Starfire -Jade Starfire - Sapphire
Other Patterns are also seeing some retirements in the range: Holly and Ivy - Ceramic Handled cutlery. Botanic Garden - Some Ceramic Handled Cutlery Botanic Garden - Metal Collection Botanic Garden - Textiles Botanic Garden - Bathroon Lacquer Ware Range Seasons Leaves - Some Ceramic Ware Seasons Leaves - Metal Accessories Seasons Leaves - Glassware

Wendy says Product Information Manager	"We are surprised at the number of retirements. We sell so much Portmeirion that I expect that we have a distorted view of each patterns popularity because as far as I'm concerned they all sell. Perhaps the retirement of Dawn and Beachcomber ceramics is not too much of a surprise but Jade and Opal and Sapphire Starfire and Beachcomber bubble Glass was a bit of a shock." If you need any information concerning the retirements e-mail me at ASK WENDY In the meantime we are working hard to reflect all these retirements on the Website.
	*Important* *If you collect any of the retired patterns then we suggest that you bear the following in mind.* *Most of the range will remain available for the start of the year but as time goes by the items availability may reduce.* If you wish to complete a set we suggest that if it is a 6 piece setting that you increase the number of the most used pieces to 8 such as dinner plates, mugs or cups and saucers, 6" plates etc. The things that you use the most are the most likely to get broken. By holding a couple of these items in reserve you should find that you continue to have a 6 piece setting dinner service for many more years. The availabilty of items made by some of the Companies manufacturing partners are the ones that will run out the quickest such as: Textiles, Glassware and Tablemats. We would urge you to order these ASAP.
NEW BOTANIC GARDEN FLOWER	Portmeirion are launching a new flower in 2003. The New Sweet Pea is to be available on a number of items. For those of you who receive the Official Portmeirion Newsletter you will know that this beautiful motif is due to appear on the 10" Plate and Mandarin Mug but we can exclusively reveal that it is also going to appear on: 10" Pasta Bowl 13" Gratin Dish 15" Oval serving Dish 3 pint Coverered Veg/Casserole Dish (Drum Shape) as well as the 10" Dinner Plate (NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER) Mandarin Mug (NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER) To order NEW Sweet Pea Mugs and Plates please click on the following link ORDER NEW SWEET PEA As soon as the items become available we will add them to the site. We found that when the new African Lilly plate was launched last year demand was very high so please bear in mind that there may be a slight delay on these items, we will of course endeavour to hold as many of the new designs in stock as possible.

Retired Flowers in Botanic Garden	To make way for the new motifs launched in 2002 and 2003 we have to say goodbye to some old favourites. Chrysanthemum, Passion Flower & Purple Rock Rose.

Andrea says Partner	"Portmeirion are so good at reflecting the changing tastes in interior design colours and styles without loosing the unique "Portmeirion Look" The new flowers are really lovely especially the Sweet Pea which looks even better in real life than in the photo. I have no doubt that it is going to be a very popular motif and I think that Portmeirion believe so too as they have already announced other pieces that are going to be carrying the motif before the initial distribution of the plate and mug".
	Other New Introductions Other New Introductions due out in Spring 2003 are: The New Sovereign Shape which will include: 8.75"(22.5cm) Low Bowl 11.75" (30cm) Low Bowl 10.25" (26cm) Salad Bowl 4.5" (11.5cm) Mini Bowl 7" x 5" (18cm x 13.5cm) Oval Small dish 9" x 7" (24cm x 17cm) Oval Medium dish 12" x 9" (32cm x 23cm) Oval Large Dish 13" x 8" (34cm x 20cm) Oval Platter Medium 15" x 9" (39cm x 23cm) Oval Platter large Comport Sorbet Dish Large Vase 9" high (23cm high) Medium vase 6" high (15cm high) The above items will be available in: Botanic Garden Pomona (Not including the vases) Dusk (With 2 addition Platters in the Drum shape 11" Steak Platter and 13" Platter but not including the Comport or Sorbet Dish) Holly and Ivy (Not including the vases) We hope to be able to include images of the new Sovereign shape in early February. NEW ELLA DORAN There are both new items in the Flo and Femme ranges and several new and exciting designs being launched in 2003 New Flo Covered Sugar Cream Jug New Sovereign Shape items (Not including the Comport or Sorbet Dish) New Femme Covered Sugar Cream Jug New Designs From Ella Doran Fiji Fiji Blue Glass Tahiti Tahiti Pink Glass Exotic Flowers Stripes Tutti Frutti Cafe au Lait New Glass Botanic Garden handpainted Glass Holly and Ivy hand Painted Glass Blue Frosted swirl Glass Blue silver Pearlescent glass Cobalt Blue Bubble Glass
	Blue/silver Pearlescent	Glass Botanic hand painted Glass

Payment Alternatives	Kings and Queens Customer accounts and order payments There are a few points we would like to remind our customers of. We are one of the very few sites that only take payment for your order once the goods are ready for despatch. We can only accept patment by Visa or Mastercard via the web site although we can arrange other payment methods if you e-mail us with details of your preferred payment method.
Gaynor says: Accounts and Administration Manager	"We can arrange to take payment by other methods but please remember never to include your credit card/or other payment details in an e-mail. E-mail is not a secure method for transfering this sensitive data or information. If you e-mail me with a telephone number (and a time of day when it would be convenient for me to contact you) and a brief description of the method of payment you would prefer to use, I will then contact you and arrange for your preferred type of payment where ever possible. (Contact me through the following e-mail link)" ASK GAYNOR
Changes in delivery proceedures to the United States and other Worldwide destinations	For those of you from overseas who have ordered with us in the second half of 2002, you will be aware that our delivery times are now second to none. We originally delivered via the National Postal Services but found the service eratic, slow and unreliable. We have negotiated an excellent deal with Parceline Uk/Federal Express and deliveries to almost anywhere in the world now take less than a week. Another valuable service offered by our new shippers is a fully trackable service on all parcels so you can plot your orders progress all the way from Wales to your own front door. We are aware though that for small overseas orders the shipping costs may appear prohibitive. If you are happy to wait an extended delivery time we can still send orders via the postal service. If this is of interest to you please e-mail us at the time of ordering and we will be happy to quote the Postal Service cost for you as an alternative. This is only applicable to very small orders of one or two items to be sent overseas. If the order is for more items there is no difference in cost between the Postal Service and the Shippers and in many case the Shippers are cheaper for larger orders.

Richard Says Partner and Shipping/Packing supervisor	"We try very hard to turn orders around as soon as possible and it was very frustrating to then have delivery delayed by up to 12 weeks in some cases while the post office obviously strapped the orders to the backs of Tortoises to swim the Atlantic and trek across America. Seriously though some of the delivery times were past a joke and although everyone was very understanding and patient this wasn't the service we wanted to offer. We are now using the Hare instead of the Tortoise and we are very happy with the excellent service the carriers are offering. So if you ordered earlier in 2002 but were disappointed by the delivery time do try us again as we can guarentee you will find the service 100% better"
	As more information becomes available we will update the Diary page. So check out the latest developments by visiting the most up to date website soley dedicated to Portmeieion Pottery: www.kingsandqueenswales.com Visit other years Diaries 2004 2005 2006
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Kings and Queens, 1, Guildhall Square, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire SA31 1PN Wales UK Tel/Fax: +44(0)1267 231678 E-MAIL:contact@kingsandqueenswales.com Kings and Queens are a centre of excellence as designated by Portmeirion Potteries Ltd This is not Portmeirion Potteries Ltd official site which can be visited at www.portmeirion.co.uk