Novelty Teapots

Novelty Teapots

CARDEW TEAPOTS

Cardew 'T' pots are tomorrow's antiques today. Paul Cardew has a brilliant creative mind and is responsible for bringing the most interesting teapots to the giftware market.




At one point in his very varied career, he worked with Sunshine Ceramics and S.W. Ceramics. Some of the teapots from this era fetch good secondary prices, for example; the Petrol Pump is worth approximately £ 150 and the Ball of Wool, £90.





Some  20 years ago saw the beginning of the Cardew Design Company, one of the most successful design teapot companies in the world. Working from small premises in Sidmouth, Devon, he soon moved to Woodmanton Farm where ideas for new teapots were prolific. His most successful theme has been the Market Stall collection.




Originally there were to be eight teapots designed around a market stall, inspired by Paul's visit to Portobello market. Each themed teapot was made of a different construction.

Novelty Teapots

For example, the Hardware Stall contained a tin bath with a dustbin as the sugar bowl. It was owned by a Mr. T. Pott and Sons and has the most amazing collection of old fashioned merchandise.




In amongst the items there are messages, which are the trademarks of a Cardew teapot, e.g. PC. Paul Cardew, PK. Peter Kirvan, EX5 1HQ, their postcode.





There have been over 50 large limited edition teapots produced to date — the Market Stall being the first one of the edition to be sold out.  Produced in most cases in editions of 5,000, some 22 of them have now been retired.




 Editions to the range include; the Gardner's Bench, Farmhouse Fireplace and Classical Fireplace.


Also the Tea Van and Blue Willow Table. Following soon will be the Sewing Machine and D.I.Y Stepladder.


The Mechanic's Bench, which seems to be very sought after, is now fetching approximately £300.
Cardew teapots can be identified by the Cardew logo and often have a picture of a teapot and are signed with the limited edition numbers if applicable.




A range of one-cup teapots was introduced in 1994 and retailed at under £30. These are similar to the larger ones and came in most attractive 'T' chest cartons which added to the intrigue of the product. Some 30 designs were produced in total, today, only eight remain,


These are; the Sewing Machine, Fridge, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Gardener's Bench, Victorian  Fireplace, Grandfather Clock, Golf Trolley and Egg Cup. Many of them have retired recently, but some should still be available in retail outlets.

Novelty Teapots

Later, tiny 'T' pots were introduced and retail at £7.50. These proved popular, especially as you can get a lot of teapots into a small space!




A wooden dresser can be purchased from Cardew Pottery to display these.

Of the 24 pieces produced, only 12 remain in the collection. These are the Sewing Machine, 50s Stove, Crimewriter's Desk, Washing Machine, Washing Mangle Victorian Fireplace,
Golf Trolley Grandfather Clock,
Radio, Television,
Victorian Tea Table and Welsh Dresser.
As the pottery increased its production, it moved to new premises in Bovey Tracey three years ago.




This small Devon town first began to establish itself in the pottery industry in the 19thCentury, so it was coincidental that it has now become the world 'T' pot centre - at least in Paul Cardew's eyes.
A collector's club was set up and members obtain a free gift and are entitled to purchase member's only teapots.





There is an exciting visitor's centre in Bovey Tracey where you can even decorate your own individual Cardew Teapot! Perhaps a 'one off' collectors item. Indeed, there are some prototypes that can be purchased when they are no longer needed.

Novelty Teapots

Cardew have expanded their ranges and produce a Classic Range. A very colourful   collection of fruit and flower pots with matching mugs, from 'Bananas' to 'Sunflowers', 'Seashells' and 'Teddy Bears', 'Cat-Tea' to 'Noah's Ark' and, even an Alice in Wonderland one for the Mad Hatters Tea Party. Again. all the designs are superb and would convert  anyone to be tea drinker , just to own one of  these teapots





The basic range  has taken on a new dimention  introduction of 'Old Country Roses' and 'Botanic Garden'. Paul has worked under license with the Portmeirion Potteries and Doulton's Royal Albert to incorporate these successful designs into his latest 'Works of Art'.




  There are Dressers, .Sewing Machines, Chairs, China Stalls, Fireplaces, all in the Cardew style with china decorated with traditional patterns. As 'Old Country Roses' is the most popular tableware pattern in the world, it should certainly mean that there are going to be a lot more people collecting Cardew Teapots around the globe.

Novelty Teapots

The latest club information pack has printing errors and neither or these collections are available as limited editions but, once they have ceased production, I am sure they will be sought after.





The Cardew Collection is certainly a fascinating one and it is nice to see a superbly designed English product being exported to so many places.



Future 'Collectors' will have an excuse for globetrotting! In the meantime, some of the earlier pieces turn up at boot sales and are well worth obtaining.

  
 Collectibles Coach