A beautifully preserved and complete 8-person coffee service from the iconic Totem series by Portmeirion Pottery, designed by the celebrated British ceramicist Susan Williams-Ellis. Finished in the deep, olive-green glaze that has become synonymous with the range, each piece features the distinctive raised, symbol-like motifs that made Totem one of the most recognisable modernist tableware designs of the 1960s.
This set includes:
- 1 tall coffee pot with lid
- 8 mugs
- 8 saucers
- 8 side plates
- 1 milk jug
- 1 sugar bowl
Launched in the mid-1960s, Portmeirion’s Totem line fused modernism with a mystical, almost tribal graphic language. Williams-Ellis drew inspiration from ancient symbols, geometry, and abstract mark-making, translating them into bold relief patterns that felt both contemporary and timeless. The range became an instant design hit and remains one of Portmeirion’s most collectible series ever produced.
The Totem collection was manufactured from 1963 through the late 1960s, with olive green among its most beloved original colourways.
Rarity: Complete sets of this size and condition, especially with all eight cups, saucers, and side plates, plus the original tall coffee pot, are increasingly rare to source. Many surviving sets are partial or more heavily worn, making this ensemble a particularly desirable collector’s example.
Condition:
Overall, this set is in excellent vintage condition with only a very minor graze noted on one side plate and the bottom rim of one cup, both subtle and consistent with careful, age-appropriate use. The set displays beautifully.
Dimensions:
Pot: 21cm W X 9cm D X 34cm H
Mug: 6cm D X 8cm H
Saucer: 13cm D X 1.5cm H
Side Plate: 18cm D X 2cm H
Milk: 12cm W X 6cm D X 10cm H
Sugar: 8cm D X 6cm H
Shipping:
A courier shipment can be arranged for this item. Select "Local Pick-up" at check-out (so that you are not charged for shipping at check-out).
After your purchase, kindly email shop@retrend.co.za so we can package the item securely and get a quote from a courier such as PostNet or Courier Guy. We will revert with the cost based on the wrapped dimensions. This cost is payable via EFT.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our photos form part of the item/s description. While every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to reflect its original character, most pieces date from the 1950s–1970s and may show subtle signs of age and use. Any notable imperfections will be mentioned and visible in the images provided. We encourage in-store viewing or careful review of photos before purchase.
Items are wrapped and prepared for transport by us (not the courier) to ensure safe handling. Once items leave our premises, they are no longer insured. We recommend arranging goods-in-transit insurance through your own short-term insurer.
Due to the fragility of glass, we do not recommend shipping such items outside Gauteng. Please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information: https://retrend.co.za/policies/shipping-policy