An array of vintage and contemporary treasures
Text by Eileen Bostick • Photography by Jim Bathie
Tea has been a pleasant part of my life ever since I was a small child enjoying Cambric tea with my mother. Our family history made tea a natural part of our lives. Mother’s parents, originally from Scotland, moved to London when she was very young. From there, they moved to Canada. My father’s family, of English heritage, lived in Canada. My grandmothers and aunts always served afternoon tea when I visited them. I really admired their fine English teapots. Often, they prepared special treats to serve with tea, and at other times digestive biscuits accompanied the tea.
I was introduced to tearooms during my visits to Canada and in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. At that time, the department stores had tearooms where mothers and daughters enjoyed tea dressed in their Sunday best. I have been fortunate to enjoy afternoon tea in elegant settings such as London, Toronto, Hong Kong, Cairo, Sydney, and Istanbul. I have also enjoyed tea at cozy little shops in quaint villages. What a variety of tea spots I have observed!
I remember a very special tea when mother and I visited London in 1985. We were invited for high tea by the young couple residing in the house where mother had lived as a child. Their gracious hospitality included a full menu of meats, breads, pies, and tea served from a Brown Betty teapot. Such a delightful afternoon!
Teapots have always fascinated me. I like pretty teacups, but teapots are my first love. My teapot collection really began after I retired in 2004. At last I had time to browse antiques stores to my heart’s content. While visiting in North Carolina, my husband and I spotted a Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee commemorative teapot in the window of a British specialty shop. Unfortunately, the store was closed, and we had to leave town before it opened the next day. Secretly, my husband called the store and surprised me by having the teapot delivered to our house a few days later. I proudly placed the teapot on the sideboard in my breakfast room. I soon realized that it looked lonesome. We headed to a local antiques store and found several Sadler teapots commemorating historical events and literary themes. I was hooked!
As my teapot collection came into being, I knew that I wouldn’t have space for too many teapots, so I decided to specialize. Because of my heritage, selecting English teapots was a natural choice. I have stayed with that decision, except for a few teapots I couldn’t resist and some charming ones from friends and family.
My husband has joined me in my quest for English teapots. As we have traveled around the United States, we have visited numerous antique malls and stores, flea markets, and estate sales. Friends have called to tell us where teapots may be found. My collection has benefitted from the help from many.
Shopping around, I have been impressed by the good quality and variety of English teapots. I have bought elegant bone china pots and some with humble origins. I have purchased teapots with roses of many colors. Fruit is also a favorite theme. I have found many more commemorative ones and even two with dragons. I like the pots with historical themes, such as the Blue Willow legend. I was delighted to learn when visiting Pacific Grove, California, that their Festival of Lanterns is based on the Blue Willow story. Doing research on teapots reveals so many interesting facts!
The problem of display space presented itself as my collection grew. We bought a display cabinet, another, another, and then another. When there were no more places for display cases, we found two tea carts that looked attractive in our dining room. They are now loaded with teapots. I have slowed down on buying teapots and tend to choose smaller ones, but I will always find space for just the right pot.
The collecting bug has bitten my family, too. My husband collects vintage cameras. Our daughters both like tea and teapots, and one of them now collects Moorcroft pottery.
I have more than 150 teapots. When asked which is my favorite, I can’t really say. Usually, it’s the one I’m holding in my hands.
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