
How the humble teapot morphed from kitchen staple to designer icon
The British think the cuppa is their national treasure, but a new interest in tea sets among young people is bringing with it an interest in the international cultural significance of the teatime ritual.
The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
Online vintage homeware marketplace Vinterior reports a six-fold increase in teapot purchases over the past six months, while sales at John Lewis are up 22%. The Ulla Floral fine teapot in a gift box is its current bestseller. A survey of 2,000 millennials by the home improvement store B&Q earlier this year found that 26% of those surveyed think teapots are back in fashion.
The trend is driven by the enduring traditional homeware aesthetic known as cottagecore. Online marketplace Etsy included the intriguing specific 'French cottage' as one of its key trends for 2025 as it says searches for 'French cottage decor' are up 26,000% from last year. The practice of 'tablescaping', the Instagram-friendly trend for setting up intricate and artistic table placements, has also driven sales as people search for eye-catching china.
'There is nothing more whimsical than a teapot,' said a spokesperson for Vinterior. 'Many people automatically think of classic chintz – à la Women's Institute – but [there is a] huge breadth of design-led teapots available, including designs by [postmodern Italian designer] Ettore Sottsass and classic art deco styles.'
Teapots have captured artists' and designers' imagination of late. The Pet Shop Boys issued a tea set to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary – created by graphic designer Mark Farrow with Duchess China – while teapots were a highlight of the recent Milan design week.
Spanish fashion house Loewe – whose creative director Jonathan Anderson announced his move to Dior last week – held an exhibition at Milan of artist-made teapots including designs by ceramicist Edmund de Waal and designer David Chipperfield alongside less practical creations, such as a wonky tea urn by German conceptual artist Rosemarie Trockel and a teapot by Patricia Urquiola which looks like a purple squirrel.
At next month's London craft week (LCW), teapots are also taking centre stage. Ceramicist Ömer Öner's colourful work will appear at the Craft In Evolution exhibition at the Oxo Tower gallery while metalworkers Takeshi Fujii and Crystal Liew's joint collection of teapots and kettles will be on show at Craft on Peel and Hketo at the Royal Society of Sculptors.
Luxury tea brand Newby London is hosting the exhibition, New Forms: Tea and Contemporary Design, at their Clerkenwell showroom during LCW. Nirmal Sethia, chair of Newby Teas, has the world's greatest collection of teaware, collected and named in honour of his wife, Chitra. Sethia designed the world's most expensive teapot, the Egoist, which is covered in 1,658 diamonds and 386 rubies, with a handle made of mammoth ivory, and is designed to hold a single cup of tea.
'Teaware is a reflection of culture, artistry and the evolution of human connection,' says Sethia. 'For over 5,000 years, the design and craftsmanship of teapots, cups and other teaware have mirrored the values, aesthetics and rituals of the societies that created them.
'To understand the history of teaware is to understand the role tea has played in shaping economies, social customs, and artistic movements. In today's world, where mass production often overshadows traditional skill, it becomes ever more important to protect and promote craftsmanship and artists.'
This is a point made by both Liew and Fujii, artists with Malaysian and Japanese heritage respectively. 'Teapots hold significant cultural importance in my heritage, representing a rich tea culture that I deeply value,' says Liew. 'Over the years, I have noticed a shift in attention and appreciation for this tradition. As part of the younger generation, I hope that through our new interpretations we can breathe fresh life into this traditional figure and preserve its legacy.'
Fujii believes that, as an enduring and practical piece of kitchenware, teapots are a record of the craft and influences of local makers. His are made using 'Tsubame-Tuiki-douki', a metal-beating technique from Tsubame, Niigata prefecture, where he grew up. 'These are tools that allow the user and those who spend time with them to enjoy daily richness and peace of mind. They are also important, familiar tools that are needed to enjoy those moments.'
More high net worth individuals are collecting handcrafted objects and recognising their artistic value and at the same time more people are taking up crafting as a meaningful hobby or side-hustle. The intersection of craft, tradition and art is important to current creative industries – and teapots fit into this perfectly.
As a craft project, though, they're probably best left to the professionals. Emily Johnson is director of 1882 Ltd, a Stoke-on-Trent pottery company which collaborates with artists such as Max Lamb and Giles Deacon.
Johnson says: 'Teapots are one of the most complex things for a pottery factory to make. A very posh teapot requires holes punctured in the body, a spout cast off and stuck on in clay, a handle cast off and stuck on in clay, and the nob of the lid cast off and stuck on. And then don't get me started on whether the spout drips or not.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC star comes clean on Nick Kyrgios feud and Wimbledon row – ‘Embarrassed me'
Nick Kyrgios was a hit in the commentary box during Wimbledon last year – but the Australian has reportedly been left off the BBC's broadcast team for the upcoming tournament Andrew Castle has shed light on his rumoured frosty relations with Nick Kyrgios, who previously labelled the seasoned Wimbledon commentator a "clown." Despite being a fan-favourite in the commentary booth last summer, Kyrgios is not expected to return to the BBC's coverage of this year's tournament at SW19. The outspoken Australian, often dubbed the 'bad boy' of tennis, temporarily traded his racket for a microphone in 2024 after an injury forced him out of action. Ongoing fitness concerns have ruled him out again this year, but the BBC has decided against re-inviting him to the panel, according to The Telegraph. That means viewers won't see a repeat of last year's pre-tournament friction between him and Castle, 61, with the action set to get underway on June 30. Still, the former British No. 1 has downplayed any talk of animosity, suggesting their feud was in fact exaggerated. "I didn't have any tense encounters and nor did he," Castle told The Express, via Globusbet. "Nick said something on Twitter about me and he got told that it's not the way to be." Kyrgios, never shy about voicing his thoughts, caused a stir during the 2023 Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Using X (formerly known as Twitter), he slammed Castle for allegedly interrupting the commentary too frequently and accused him of failing to remain quiet during key moments. "Whoever is the clown next to [Todd] Woodbridge in that commentator box needs to just not speak, spoiling the match big time," Kyrgios posted. Castle, who later labelled Kyrgios the "golden boy" of clickbait, admitted he felt "embarrassed" after reading the comment but didn't dwell on it. "I said to him that he embarrassed me there and he said, 'Oh mate.' That was it," Castle recalled. "I stand by what I said about where we were in the match he commented on. Nick said something online and there's so much attention on Wimbledon and on his Twitter feed that people make something up that isn't there." Their verbal sparring continued into the following year. While working alongside Castle on the BBC team, Kyrgios slammed him again, calling him "disrespectful" for his commentary on a showdown between Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz – a match highlighted more by booming serves than extended rallies. During that broadcast, Castle remarked: "You can't say it's been the most captivating tennis, to be frank." Kyrgios responded swiftly on social media. "'Not captivating' – was a comment from a commentator who is doing the Zverev and Fritz match," he wrote. "This alone tells me that they have probably never played tennis at a high level. Two of the most elite servers we have. Quite disrespectful. C'mon be better." Castle, once again, chose not to take the post personally. He even complimented Kyrgios for his contributions in the commentary box, praising his natural communication skills and knowledge of the sport. "I like working with Nick, he did a great job at last year's final," Castle said. "It was my 21st final and he slotted right in with Tim [Henman] and I – his delivery is really good for tennis. "He picks things up, knows when to speak and obviously knows what he is talking about so that was great. We talked a little bit about being careful [with what he posts online] and he said, 'Sure, it's over.' So that's it." Though Kyrgios has never captured a Grand Slam title, he came closest at Wimbledon in 2022, advancing to the final before losing to Djokovic in four sets. That match is perhaps best remembered for Kyrgios' infamous "700 drinks" tirade aimed at a spectator he said was distracting him. Since then, he has struggled with recurring injuries, appearing in only two Grand Slams over the last three seasons. His comeback at the Australian Open this January ended quickly with a straight-sets loss to British up-and-comer Jacob Fearnley in round one.


Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Two Scottish restaurants named among Europe's best for authentic Neapolitan pizza
Scotland's pizza scene has earned global praise, with two favourites named among Europe's best in a top guide Scotland's thriving pizza scene has earned fresh international praise, with two of the public favourites in two Scottish cities named among Europe's top pizzerias in a prestigious new guide. Paesano, which now has three bustling venues across Glasgow, is one of only two Scottish spots featured in the newly released 50 Top Pizza list for 2025. The respected ranking, compiled annually by industry experts Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro and Albert Sapere, highlights the best places to enjoy authentic pizza across the continent, excluding Italy, Glasgow Live reports. While no Scottish venue made the top 50 this year, Paesano and Edinburgh's Salerno were included in the wider 'excellent pizzerias' category, recognising outstanding quality and consistent craftsmanship. For Paesano, the accolade comes hot on the heels of opening a new southside location and earning recent praise from Big 7 Travel, further cementing its status as one of the country's most celebrated pizza destinations. According to 50 Top Pizza: 'The space is furnished in a post-industrial style with iron and wood, featuring a large bar counter that dominates the room. "However, the name and wood-fired oven bring us back to the typically Italian dimension where food is the result of artisanal craftsmanship with fresh products. 'The goal of this Scottish establishment is very clear: to be obsessed with Neapolitan pizza, with a dough that is left to rise for 24 hours in the Coccia style, and a traditional menu where the great Neapolitan classics are combined with local flavours and seasonality. "Perfect and efficient service, great atmosphere in the dining room, and an unmissable drink selection.' Edinburgh's Salerno was also singled out for praise, earning its place among Europe's finest pizza joints. The guide's reviewers noted: 'A pizzeria called Salerno that serves a perfect Neapolitan pizza: something that may have seemed strange until a few years ago, just as in the Campania city, a fantastic Mediterranean experience is also lived in the Scottish capital. 'The atmosphere is very beautiful and personalised with wicker baskets used as chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, a large counter with a visible oven. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "The pizzas have a good leavening and in addition to the classics, many are 'reinforced' according to local tastes but always with Italian products: ham, salami, dairy products. 'The service is cheerful and youthful, with a menu of Italian wines, beers, and excellent cocktails that complete an unmissable offer of quality when in this magnificent city.' Explaining the expanded scope of this year's guide, the curators said: 'Because quality continues to grow nonstop, this year too we wanted to emphasise the growing value of the European evolution, by including the category 'excellent' to the guide. "About 150 pizzerias scattered around the Old Continent, where you can eat an excellent pizza, which are added to the 50 positions in the ranking.'


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Original Big Brother stars now from Nasty Nick's new life to business success
Big Brother series one was a cultural reset - but what happened to the likes of Craig Phillips, Anna Nolan, and 'Nasty' Nick Bateman after the cameras stopped rolling? In the summer of 2000, British TV was forever transformed when 10 strangers entered a house in Bow, East London, allowing the nation to observe their every move. The first series of Big Brother was a cultural game-changer - predating online memes, Love Island, or TikTok, this was the programme that sparked nationwide conversation and collective voting. With only one eviction per week, live shows on Friday nights, and no contact with the outside world, Big Brother 1 turned Craig, Anna, Melanie, and of course, 'Nasty Nick' into household names in the era before social media. But what happened to the original housemates after the cameras stopped rolling? Here's an update on the Class of 2000 - from building empires and starting families to seeking a quieter life in Argentina, reports the Daily Record. Craig Phillips He walked into the house as a builder from Liverpool, but emerged as the UK's first-ever Big Brother winner. Just days after bagging the £70,000 prize money, Craig made headlines by donating all of it to his mate Joanne Harris, who required a life-saving heart and lung transplant. Within six days of his victory, the target was reached due to a nationwide wave of generosity and celebrity support. Post-Big Brother, Craig established himself as a DIY guru, hosting numerous home makeover programmes like 60 Minute Makeover, Trading Up, and Big Strong Boys. In 2000, he even released a charity single At This Time of Year, which reached number 14 in the UK charts and raised more than £40,000 for the Down's Syndrome Association. He later established a production company, Avent Productions, and became a regular face on Discovery Realtime and the Forces Broadcasting Service. In recent years, Craig and his wife Laura have been running the successful Mr and Mrs DIY YouTube channel, assisting fans with home improvements in a fun way. They tied the knot in 2018, are parents to two children, and featured on Millionaire Age Gap Love in 2020. Anna Nolan A lesbian ex-nun was not your typical reality show contestant in 2000 - and that's precisely why Anna stood out. She ended up as the runner-up and quickly gained recognition for her composed demeanour in the house, often playing the mediator during tense situations (including Nick's downfall). Post Big Brother, Anna transitioned into broadcasting - hosting BBC series like Anna in Wonderland and Closure, before returning to Ireland where she co-presented The Afternoon Show on RTÉ for three years. She's hosted everything from paranormal documentaries to food shows. Behind the scenes, Anna built a robust career as a producer and development executive. She directed shows like Room To Improve, Operation Transformation, and The Great Irish Bake Off, and as of 2024, she's head of development at COCO Content, producing major TV events. Darren Ramsay Third-place finalist Darren Ramsay brought a quiet charm and sincerity to the Big Brother house - but after the show, he largely withdrew from the public eye. Darren, once a familiar face on shows like Good Food Live and The Weakest Link, took an unexpected turn when he trained as a flight attendant for the TV show Airline, only to be asked to leave before qualifying. Nowadays, Darren leads a more private life, working the typical 9-5 at a research company. Melanie Hill Mel was often the centre of attention in the Big Brother house – not least for her romance with Tom – but left the spotlight to pursue journalism, writing for The Guardian and presenting the E4 series Chained. However, it wasn't all glamour for Mel; she opened up about the darker side of fame in her 2002 open letter How Big Brother Destroyed My Life, discussing the intense media scrutiny and public harassment she faced. She even advised women against auditioning for the reality show, citing the psychological impact of instant celebrity. Now a marketing director, Mel is also a mother to son Otis, whom she has with her partner Glenn. Tom McDermott Remembered for his Big Brother stint and relationship with Claire Strutton, Tom became one half of the show's first couple. After welcoming their son Pierce in 2001 and a stint living in Marbella running a property website together, Tom and Claire parted ways in 2004. Tom has since returned to the UK and is now successfully managing his own property business in Cornwall. Claire Strutton House flirt Claire has made it big as a successful entrepreneur. She's happily married to businessman Ian Radford, and together they're living it up with a luxury beach resort in Marbella and own several buzzing nightclubs in Gibraltar and Essex. Andy Davidson Andy was the second housemate to be evicted, and is remembered for his headline-grabbing kiss with Mel. These days he's traded reality TV drama for corporate strategy, taking on the role of head of client strategy at Flamingo, a brand and insight consultancy based in London. Caroline O'Shea Caroline brought laughs and attitude to the Big Brother house, and her life after the show remained quite the mix. Rumours swirl that she went back to selling adult toys, dabbled in music, and wasn't shy to do some topless modelling. On top of popping up in reality TV round-ups like The Weakest Link and The Only Way Is Essex, Caroline has also tested the waters in acting and keeps her profile alive on casting websites. Nichola Holt Artistic soul Nichola, who coined the phrase "It's just the game!" tried to chart a dance single with those very words, but it peaked modestly at number 72. Post-fame, she married personal trainer Yas Parr on a Mexican beach, although their union lasted just 18 months. Now approaching 50, Nichola enjoys a quieter life in Bolton, raising her daughter away from public scrutiny. Sada Walkington Sada, the first person ever to be shown the door in Big Brother UK, traded in her reality TV notoriety for a quieter existence. Relocating to Argentina, she has embarked on a new journey as a yoga instructor and is devoted to raising her twins, Indigo and Padma, who were born in 2005. She's openly criticised her portrayal on the show, condemning the producers for casting her as a "dippy hippie" stereotype. Enjoying a serene life away from the chaos of the Big Brother spotlight, it's evident that Sada relishes her peaceful retreat abroad. Nick 'Nasty Nick' Bateman The infamous 'Nasty Nick' became a part of television infamy by attempting to rig nominations in the house, culminating in a memorable confrontation with housemate Craig – a moment that stands as one of British TV's most unforgettable confrontations. Having left his notorious image behind, Nick has since opted for a much quieter lifestyle. His sporadic appearances on shows like Ultimate Big Brother are now a thing of the past, and he currently enjoys life under the radar in Australia, turning the page on his days in the public eye.