Recent Acquisition: Tea Urn
Did you think those caterer’s urns with spigots were a 20th-century invention? Not so! Urns with spigots to dispense hot water (because the proper way to do it is to put the tea leaves in the tea pot) have been around since the 18th century.
This monumental tea urn, seen here on display in the John Paul Jones House, is a good example of English Sheffield plate, which was very popular in America in the early nineteenth century as an alternative to objects fashioned from more expensive sterling silver. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the tea ceremony in early America. The unmarked urn has an early history in the Fowle family of Portsmouth, and is a recent gift of Esther Pappas of Yarmouth, Maine, a family descendant who presented it to the Society in memory of her mother.
Hot-water urn, probably Sheffield, England, 1810-20. Fused plate (Sheffield plate), ivory; H. 19 in., W. 9 ½ in., D. 10 in. Gift of Edith Pappas in memory of Esther J. Marshall, 2020.
The Teapot’s Tale by Portsmouth author Joanna Brode
The little teapot in this story is real. It was made in New York City by one of the Crolius family of potters, and centuries later was purchased at the Brimfield, Massachusetts Flea Market by a New Hampshire couple.
The story of what happened between the teapot’s creation in New York City and its purchase at the Brimfield Market is fictional but plausible. Readers are invited to imagine their own story of what might of befallen the little teapot in those mysterious lost years.
Available at our Museum Shop online!
2021 Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks at the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
The Black Heritage Trail is once again hosting a phenomenal series of talks to celebrate Black History Month. It’s a “virtual” series this year, so you don’t even have to brave the 15° weather to participate. But you do need to register in advance!
Check out all the great topics at https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/tea-talks/
History. Arts. Culture.
