New Teapot Designs are on the Boil in 2005!

Every new year normally sees a crop of new design ideas coming to the boil in time for the various Gift Trade Shows that take place around the world and 2005 is no exception.

Consequently, we are already able to feature some sparkling innovative “Potty” ideas from “Tony Carter”, “Gary Seymour” and “The Teapottery”.

Seeing them altogether does make a mere mortal wonder how on earth these illustrious designers keep managing to come up with fresh thinking about our old friend, the humble teapot.

The fact is that the last ten years alone (never mind the 290 years before that) have turned the “humble” teapot into something of a “collectable superstar” and it is no doubt the versatility of the “pot” and of course it’s designers that have thrust it forward into the world collectors spotlight.

There is certainly something special about the character of the teapot’s essential features, a tubby girth, a cheeky spout and a nice secure handle. It’s just like a little good friend!

But there can also be no doubt that those clever designers over the years have embellished these basic attributes so that little teapot has become an outright exhibitionist!

Where do they get the ideas from we here you ask?

Well, from our experience, these designers do not think like us mere mortals. They have this peculiar talent for observing life and its various physical props and seeing them turn into teapots!

Having these ideas is strange enough but that is just the beginning as turning the idea into a completed functional teapot is no small undertaking because from the first gleam of an idea to the finished item, ready for your collection typically takes about six months.

This period covers initial sketches, then modelling in plaster, balsa wood, plasticine, or clay (and sometimes all of these) to make a finished 3-D model. Then blocking and casing to make the appropriate moulds, and then endless experiments with decoration, preparation of artwork for ceramic decals and finally finding a suitable way to package it.

What is not covered here is the endless adjustments and experiments that go on at every stage, sometimes leading to the entire process starting again.

A seasoned observer of the process would not be slightly surprised that it all takes about six months to complete. What of course is miraculous is that more often than not, the designer will be working on several new designs simultaneously and also be deeply involved in monitoring the actual production of other designs recently completed.

Having sketched out the background, let’s look at some of the new crop for 2005!

First, from that old rock and roller Tony Carter, we have a sensational range of “Golden Oldies” set around the 1950s. The six full sized teapot designs include a jiving “Juke Box”, a “Dodgem Car”, a smoking “Hot Rod”, a courting “Cinema Couple”, a “Motorbike Guitarman” and a James Dean look alike in a bath!

You can tell Tony’s age by the accuracy and mood enshrined in these “rockin” new designs!

Again, looking back in time, he has also produced a large and one-cup classic Bakelite telephone in white and black that are so real you will be waiting for them to ring!

Finally, to warm the cockles of your heart, a classic “Pot Belly Stove” again available in a large size and one-cup.

Next we move to Gary Seymour, who has six new designs for your eyes to feast upon.

The “Mummy’s Tomb” and the “Trojan Horse” embody Gary’s fascination for ancient times and indeed his ingenious mind as both these new designs feature a “hidden lid”. In the case of the “Trojan Horse”, part of the saddle area can be opened to reveal the lid in the form of a very well hidden Trojan warrior. In the case of the “Mummy’s Tomb”, the upper part of the sarcophagus comes off to reveal the shrouded mummy as the lid. (You know Mum always makes the best cup of tea!)

From the ancient, we go to the modern with two very swift forms of transport with the “Duke At Tea” (Get it – Ducatti!!) and the “P.T. Cruiser”. We gather these two great designs are proving very popular with owners of these two famous modes of transport and that Gary is appearing at Ducatti and P.T. Cruiser events around the U.K. with these pots in tow.

Finally, we are not sure of the connection with the “Womble” one-cup. It may reflect his tidy nature or some connection with Wimbledon Common but for you Womble fans out there, here’s your teapot!

Next in the role of honour is “The Teapottery”, who have six fantastic new designs of which three have a “gardening” theme.

The “Alan Titchmarsh Watering Can” comes from “The Teapottery’s” special relationship with the U.K.’s most famous gardener. It is a beautiful limited edition of 4000 pieces and has a special presentation package with a certificate of authenticity (Retail price - £56.40).

An alternative to this is the “Romany Watering Can” with its characteristic decoration. (Retail price - £51.70)

Finally, to complete your garden round up (or clear up!) we have a very splendid “mid sized” (12 cms x 27 cms) “Wheelbarrow” replete with produce from the vegetable patch (Retail - £51.70).

Genuine teapot “Lovers” will of course love “The Teapottery’s” very romantic heart range that comes in gold and white with alternative dedications including “I Love You”, “Forever Yours” and “My Heart is Yours”.

Next, we move to the kitchen, where “The Teapottery” continues it’s very popular “Aga” series with a visit to Italy. On the top of the “Aga” lies all the ingredients necessary for a delicious pepperoni pizza and guess what - there on the hot plate is one they prepared earlier! (size 20.2 cms x 28 cms – Retail price £82.25).

After all that indulgence, you will need some exercise and a round of golf is just the job. Where are my clubs? In the teapot! The “Tea Caddy” (love those puns!) comes with a shiny set of (Tealor made?) clubs in a very smart golf bag (size 23cms x 14.5cms – Retail price £56.40)

Our round up ends with a couple of specials from Mr. Paul Cardew, both of which have been produced exclusively for “Whittards” and can in fact only be purchased from their 100 odd outlets around the U.K.

The first one in the shape of a very cute Easter Bunny. This teapot is in the shops right now as part of Whittards Easter promotion. The teapot has been designed and modelled to replicate one of the characters in Nick Butterworth’s beautifully illustrated children’s books.

They are retailing at £20.00 each and will only be available for a limited period.

In late April, early May, the Easter Bunny will be followed into their stores with a very splendid “Walter Bear” teapot, who as you can see is resplendent in a Beefeaters uniform.

Currently we have no retail pricing details but understand he will be selling at approximately £30.00.

There is also a very exciting new “Cardew” special limited edition on its way. Go to “limited editions” on this site to find some tantalising details of yet another extraordinary teapot that might find a way to your collection!