Originally conceived in 1974, the illustrations for Birds of Britain by Portmeirion were taken from the book Natural History of British Birds by Edward Donovan, published in 1974. Forty birds were featured in the collection, which was not fashionable in the sense of the following trend, but this probably helped its longevity as it did not date and look old fashioned. The oakleaf boarder adds a earthy feel to this elegant pottery.