Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit trees and orchards has been inspiring art and kitchenware for centuries...

{HISTORY}

Based on botanical drawings from the 1812 book Pomona Britannica by British artist George Brookshaw (1751-1823), this vintage ceramic cheese board was made in England by Portmeirion for their Pomona series. In production from 1983-2020, this series featured a colorful array of orchard fruits on a wide variety of dinerware and kitchenware sets.

As if just plucked from nature itself, this stunning array of summer fruits includes peaches, blackberries, apples, pears and cherries complete with blooming branches. Unique in size and shape, this oval board is completely flat with no lip around the edge, making it an ideal surface for displaying wedges of cheese or charcuterie companions. 

Throughout the past three centuries, George's book has been held in the highest regard. Meant as a visual instructional guide for fruit enthusiasts, gardeners and horticulturalists alike, his beautiful renditions captured the hearts of art lovers around the world too. Likewise, Portmeirion has produced some of England's most beautiful ceramic dishware beloved by collectors since 1960 when the company was first founded.

When not in use,  this cheese board also makes a lovely display piece.  Whether sitting ready on the counter for your next fromage adventure or hanging on the wall adding a little picturesque vista to your kitchen, this piece of vintage kitchenware is both a functional item and a work of art. 

Included here are two images of George Brookshaw's work which was fully titled Pomona Britannica: or A Collection of the Most Esteemed Fruits at Present Cultivated in This Country Together with the Blossoms and Leaves As Such As Are Necessary To Distinguish the Various Sorts From Each Other Selected Principally From The Royal Gardens at Hampton Court and the Remainder From the Most Celebrated Gardens Round London.

Images courtesy of the New York Public Library Digital Collections.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Unique shape

- Ideally sized for small spaces or serving trays 

- Portmeirion Pomona Pattern

- Colors include spring green, black, pale pink, red apple, peach, coral, lime green, cherry red, evergreen, and pale dijon against a bright white background

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition. This board contains no chips, cracks or stains. there are one utensil mark on one of the leaves of the red apple. Given the overall beauty pattern, this utensil is barely noticeable. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 10.75" inches (length) x 7" inches (width) x .25" inches (thickness) and weighs 1.5 lbs.