Sir Laurence Whistler CBE (1912–2000) for Portmeirion Pottery

Sir Laurence Whistler CBE (1912–2000)
For Portmeirion Pottery
Mug Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Portmeirion Village
Black glaze stoneware pottery with printed gilt design
Printed mark beneath 
Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire
England, 1976

Measurements: 10.2 cm (4 inches) tall

Decorated with print in gilt of a firework display silhouetting the main landmarks of Portmeirion Village with the text "1926  PORTMEIRION  1976". Marked beneath "Portmeirion" "Golden Jubilee" "From an engraved glass by Lawrence Whistler" [sic].

This mug commemorates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the first buildings at the village of Portmeirion, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1883–1978). It was made by the Staffordshire pottery of the same name, which was owned by Sir Clough's daughter Susan Williams-Ellis (1918–2007).

The basis of the design was a goblet engraved for Portmeirion's 40th anniversary in 1966 by Sir Laurence Whistler, the pioneering master of glass engraving revival. The original stipple engraved goblet was presented to Clough Williams-Ellis and displayed as one of Portmeirion's treasures in the village's main hotel. Sadly it was lost, along with much of the building's historic interior, in a devastating fire on 5 June 1981. The building was restored but these interesting mugs are the only reminder of Laurence Whistler's original commemorative piece.