coffee pot

Summary

Tall cylindrical coffee pot, tapering upward from broad circular base to narrow neck. Tall S-shaped spout of octagonal section in the form of simplified open-mouthed serpent, set at right angles to ribbed strap loop handle with pinched and flattened spur at lower terminal. Predominantly light brown body with spiralling patches and streaks of dark brown following throwing rings. High domed cover with flattened rim and double baluster finial, filled in hole to one side.

Display Label

The Thomas Greg Collection The Greg Collection of English Pottery was given to the Gallery in 1904 by collector and amateur historian Thomas Greg. One of the great collections of English pottery, it was formed at a time when little was known about the history of ceramics in this country. Over forty years Greg systematically acquired some of the best examples of the potter's art, tracing its development over a thousand years. His collection tells the story of English pottery: of experiment and invention, triumph and downfall, from the unknown medieval craftsman to the world domination of Josiah Wedgwood. In many ways, it is a history of England itself. Greg was driven by a fascination with the past and a desire to contribute to scholarly knowledge. He gave his collection to the Gallery in the hope of inspiring a similar sense of wonder in others.