Tributes have been paid to the founder of pottery manufacturer Portmeirion, Susan Williams-Ellis, who died on 26 November, 2007.

The renowned Staffordshire-based ceramics designer died in her sleep, aged 89.

The Surrey-born entrepreneur set up the ceramic giant along with husband Euan more than 50 years ago, after starting out in a small shop in Wales.

The company now employs around 500 people and has sales outlets in 34 countries.

Antiques expert Steven Moore, aged 41, from BBC1’s Antiques Roadshow programme, said: "It was her design vision that assured the success of the firm.

"In some ways, she was one of the last designers with true links to Staffordshire.

"It is a great rarity to manage both being a designer and a businesswoman.

"To start up a business with no potting experience and make it into a business that is still successful today is quite a feat.

"She was very good at making good quality designs which were cost effective to produce.

"She owned her own pottery company, but she was also a designer, so she understood both sides of the industry."

Mrs Williams-Ellis set up the business with her husband Euan in 1953, when they took over a souvenir shop in the Welsh village of Portmeirion.

Despite making a loss, a second Portmeirion shop was opened in London’s Pont Street.

The designer gave Portmeirion its style, with unusual shapes and bold illustrations, which now make it increasingly collectable.

She helped to catapult the company into becoming world-renowned after launching her Botanic Garden designs in 1972.

Mrs Williams-Ellis was awarded the honour from the University of the Arts in London, at a special ceremony in 2005, after studying fine art at the then Chelsea Polytechnic.

The mother-of-four also worked as a draughtswoman at the Air Ministry during the Second World War.

Portmeirion was floated on the Stock Exchange in 1988 and currently employs around 500 people in North Staffordshire.

Chief executive Lawrence Bryan said, in a statement yesterday, she played a key role in the success of the firm, which turned over £28.4 million in 2006.

He said: "Our condolences go out to Susan’s family and our profound thanks for her immeasurable contribution to the company and the pottery industry over the last 47 years."