Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service: Teapot Collection

Teapots Come Home

Teapot Collection

This magnificent collection is the largest and most extensive collection of British ceramic teapots in the world and now numbers nearly three thousand pieces. It consists of the Bulwer Collection (pots from the period c. 1720-1780) presented by Colonel and Mrs Bulwer in 1946 and the Miller collection, described by Geoffrey Godden as: 'a marvellous research collection,' which was purchased in 1988 and consists of teapots from the period c.1780-1970. In addition there have been a number of purchases and bequests since that time and the collection now encompasses the entire period of British ceramic teapot production from c.1720 to the present day. Recent purchases have been contemporary craft pots submitted by makers to the Norwich Castle 1995-7 national touring exhibition Teapotmania: The Story of the British Craft Teapot and Teacosy.

Pearlware teapot

The teapot is a central object in the output of all major British ceramic factories, which devoted the greater part of production to domestic ware, in particular dinner services and teasets. Since the teapot was the most important single item in a teaset it provided more scope than any other piece for design and decoration of a very high standard. Teapots not only exemplify the highest levels of production but also draw attention to what was typical at any one period. In sum, they provide a microcosm of British ceramic history, illustrating changes in style and decoration. They are also key items in British social history being used on a daily basis by all levels of society.

You can browse the teapot collection by clicking here. This will take you to our Collections Online for All web site and undertakes a search of the Decorative Art file for the term 'teapot'. There are an awful lot, so you may wish to 'Search within results' once you are there.