A cherished bit of English history resides
in its traditional Brown Betty teapots. Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, a city
160 miles northwest of London, became famous for making pottery in the Middle
Ages. In fact, the village was nicknamed the Potteries due to the region’s
abundance of a superior form of red clay that retains heat more than any other
clay.
Tea drinking spread beyond the upper class
to all families in British society in the early 19th century. This
demand increased the production of china teapots and teacups by the Wedgewood,
Spode, and Royal Doulton companies, rivaling their Chinese porcelain
counterparts, and brought renown to the Staffordshire clay teapots.
I’m a tea drinker who believes the Brown
Betty teapot makes one of the best pots of tea. Several cups of hot tea can be
poured before it is necessary to replenish the teapot with fresh tea and hot
water. The teapot’s round shape enables loose tea leaves to swirl in the
boiling water, ensuring complete infusion. The dark manganese glaze, known as a
Rockingham glaze, gives the Brown Betty its distinct color, hiding tea stains
over time.
How are Brown Betty teapots made? Once
they were thrown on a potter’s wheel with the hand and spout added afterward.
Now they are poured into a mold using a slipcasting method. After the teapot is
released from the mold, it is allowed to dry naturally. Then it is smoothed
(fettled) and fired in the kiln for the first time. Next, the teapot (in
biscuit form) is dipped into the Rockingham glaze and left to dry naturally
again. Excess glaze is removed from the bottom (footswiping) and the
lavender-colored pot is fired in the kiln a second time to create the glossy
chocolate-syrupy color of the Brown Betty teapot.
If you would like to own a new Brown Betty
teapot, two Stoke-on-Trent companies still make these treasured heirlooms,
Cauldon Ceramics, Ltd. and Adderley Ceramics, Ltd.. Of course, you can find Sadler
or Alcock, Lindley & Bloore Brown Betty teapots in antique stores and
vintage shops. To determine if you own an authentic Brown Betty teapot, turn it upside down to see if you can see the unglazed red clay and the words “Made in England” on the bottom.Other countries have copied the Brown Betty style teapot and I
own an Old Amsterdam Porcelain Works teal green teapot that is a close cousin to my favorite
Sadler teapots in various sizes.
Do you own
a teapot? Enjoy sipping tea? Or have you visited England, the land of tea? Please share and leave a comment to place your name in the drawing for Amanda's Beau by Shirley Raye Redmond! The winner is announced in the Weekly Windup on Feb. 1. Check out all of our great gifts on the Prizes Galore page.
Cheers!
Deb
Tea is such a traditional way to sit down and take time to sip and just enjoy. How little time we take to really cherish some quiet, to reflect, to catch up with a friend or family member. Today everything is about grab and go. Drive in's or a drive through can not bring the same satisfaction of a pretty cup, and a teapot on a table.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I agree! My husband and I take a one-hour leisurely drive through scenic farmland to visit a tea room where we linger over tea once a month. And we invite friends to join us a few times a year. There is nothing like spending time together over afternoon tea!
DeleteAs soon as someone walk through the door we put the kettle on. A great way to connect & wind down.
ReplyDeleteI have a brown teapot. Not sure which brand.
Mary, that's exactly what my English in-laws did whenever I visited. And we've kept that tradition. And I thought you might have a Brown Betty teapot too!
DeleteI have a tea kettle, but I'm not much of a tea drinker. I prefer coffee over tea. I guess I just haven't had that "perfect" cup yet.
ReplyDeleteIt's very possible you've not found the right tea. My English husband enjoys coffee and tea, but tends to like the stronger black teas. Perhaps you might like to try them?
DeleteI am a big coffee drinker, but I do enjoy jasmine tea when I go to an Asian restaurant. I also found loose raspberry-lavender tea in BC, Canada tea shop last fall that was amazing. I have a teapot, but I tend to make single cups with a diffuser.
ReplyDeleteI like jasmine tea too and Canada's Murchies Tea Shop in Victoria, BC has a "No. 10" loose black tea blend that includes jasmine that I absolutely enjoy. But the raspberry-lavender tea sounds wonderful! Which tea shop might that be since we visit BC? Thanks, Terrill!
DeleteAs a child we sang the tune...I'm a little teapot short and stout here is my handle here is my spout, when you tip me over hear me shout...tip me over and pour me out...hahahaha....I love my teapots...and I loved this post! :)I drink ice tea but in winter I do love a hot cup of tea!
ReplyDeleteMaria, thanks for thinking of that song! I sang it in 2nd grade too. I remember the teacher picking three different students to stand in front of the class each time we sang it through and perform motions to it, like one hand on your hip for the handle and the other hand with palm up for the spout. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteI am an iced tea lover but I prefer coffee for my hot beverage. I actually have several tea pots because I love them but none of them are brown. Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Connie. I wonder how much our preferences are related to where we live? Lately, though, I've become fond of a peach green tea lemonade in winter! Teapots are so lovely to look at and have as keepsakes. So glad you have them to enjoy!
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