Portmeirion pottery evolved from gift shop designs for the Portmeirion holiday village in north Wales to a global business thanks to the design flair of Susan Williams-Ellis. She captured the sprit of the kitchens and dining rooms of the 1960's and 70's, with bold new shapes, and designs that could be both modern and traditional. 'Botanic Garden', introduced in 1972, used old flower prints with contemporary shapes and high quality manufacture, and has remained in production for 40 years. In the 21st century the company moves vigorously forwards with a new generation of designers and a marketplace in over 50 countries. Table of Contents Introduction / 1. Portmeirion Village and Grays Pottery / 2. Portmeirion Pottery, 1960-72 / 3. Botanic Garden / 4. New Designs and Exports, 1972-90 / Progressive Expansion, 1990-2010 / Places to Visit / Further Reading

Will Farmer studied at the Birmingham School of Jewellery and went on to become a director of Fieldings auction house. He is a noted authority on twentieth century decorative arts, in particular glass and ceramics, and is one of the experts on the BBC's 'Antiques Roadshow'. He is a regular contributor to BBC Homes and Antiques magazine.

Rob Higgins is a collector of ceramics and a doctor. Naturally, Botanic Garden and Compleat Angler were taken to university in the mid-1970s, since when his collection, parts of which are still in daily use, has burgeoned.