teapot

Richard Bayley

Summary

Plain tea-pot with sides sloping out to a sharp shoulder from which projects a short straight spout. Loop wicker handle; plain flat cover; coat-of-arms engraved on side

Display Label

Gallery text panel Mr and Mrs Edgar Assheton Bennett Collection Edgar Assheton Bennett was a connoisseur of silver. A rich stockbroker, he amassed a valuable collection which is now one of the finest in the country. The collection was formed in the early 20th century when the contents of many large houses were sold. Although Bennett bought some very rare early pieces, he focused on the elegant English domestic silver made in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He chose work by the best silversmiths of the day, including many influential French religious refugees. A silver scholar was employed to write a catalogue, published and circulated privately in 1931. But the Bennetts were not precious about their silver, making tea in the teapots, eating with gilt cutlery and serving sandwiches from the silver plates. Domestic silver was made to be used and enjoyed!