The Dome exhibition

During your visit to Portmeirion, take a moment to visit the exhibition in The Dome.

The Dome will be open on most days during the afternoon. (Please note that we do reserve the right to alter the opening times of the Dome at short notice, if needed)

Also known as the Pantheon, the Dome itself is a grade II listed building which was constructed between 1960-61.

It has a wealth of history and information available to see and read.

Some of the original items that you will be able to discover are -

The stunning dolls-house, designed by Clough Williams-Ellis for the daughter of a client in the 1920s, has been moved from the top of the Dome to ground level, so it can be better appreciated by our visitors.

The copper ship remains on display as one of our most popular items, and the original battered ‘St Peter’ looks across to his successor perching on the canopied balcony outside the Toll House.

The original sign from the Hercules Hall, painted by Hans Feibusch, is newly displayed. Visitors will also observe that Feibusch’s large canvas, commemorating Clough’s knighthood, could have turned out quite differently …

For the first time at Portmeirion, a selection of items from the ‘What the Butler Saw’ range of Portmeirion Pottery can be seen. Considered to be too risqué for the early 1970s, these cheeky vessels never made it to market. Also displayed are a collection of beer-pull handles, designed by Susan Williams-Ellis for the Portmeirion Hotel in c.1960.

Architectural pieces, fixtures, and fittings, previously collected by Clough Williams-Ellis as stock for his 'Home for Fallen Buildings' will be added to the exhibition, as well as some items of maritime and folk art.

As well as the old well-loved contents, a few new items have been introduced to add interest. 

Amongst them is a model of the disembodied head of giant King Brân, from the Mabinogi; this was the prop used by Head Chef Mark Threadgill as he represented Wales in ‘The Great British Menu’.

Finally, is a collection of ex-Portmeirion cottage furniture transformed by Rose Fulbright, designed and artist in residence in the Dome in April, and her sponsor, Annie Sloan, who invented the gorgeous chalk paints with which they have been decorated.

Rose is a great granddaughter of Clough Williams-Ellis, and a granddaughter of Susan Williams-Ellis, founding creator of Portmeirion Pottery.

The residency was carried out in collaboration with the Susan Williams-Ellis Foundation, based at Plas Brondanw www.plasbrondanw.org, for the 2024 theme, Transformation.

Some of Susan’s work, and artwork by artists inspired by Susan, can be seen here: https://www.bonusprint.co.uk/view-online-photo-book?widgetId=96195e4c-d828-4d4f-9ed2-c9a50c33530f.