A new addition to the multi-award winning Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection – launched at this year’s Spring shows – is a shell shaped serving plate and bowl set, with a focus on serving food with a dip. Sophie, whose first range for Portmeirion launched 13 years ago, tells GiftsandHome.net how collecting ‘treasures’ when she’s out and about is her design inspiration.
Sophie, good to catch up with you. What inspired your latest tabletop designs for Portmeirion?
“Whether I go on holiday, or simply for a walk, I always come back with my pockets full of things – seed pods, interesting leaves, sea shells, pebbles, you name it. In fact, I have a huge collection at home from all over the world that I’ve been collecting since I was a child. I think of them as little treasures that are full of memories. It was the shells that I have collected over the years that inspired my latest collection for Portmeirion.”
In what way does your personal collection of ‘found’ objects inspire you?
“The objects are always beautiful shapes, very sculptural and very simple. I like to feature nature in everything that I do. Growing up, my dad, Sir Terence Conran, always called me over to look and this or to look at that. I love the natural world, while being very observant of the physical world too.”
From your perspective, what makes this range stand out?
“To be honest, I’m thrilled with it. I love the wonderful tactile shapes. I think it will particularly appeal to people who have got homes by the sea, and those who love to serve and eat seafood.”
Can you tell us more about the pieces please?
“Yes, there is a platter, a set of four shell shaped plates and a set of two chip and dip bowls. It’s been so exciting to see them ‘fully formed’.”
Top: Shells, the newest launch in the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection.
