Teapot [The Cube]
Maker and role
George Clews & Co Ltd, Manufacturer
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Object detail
Accession number
2011.80
Maker
Production period
Description
A dark green, cube-shaped teapot with a lid. Made in 1940 by George Clews & Sons of Tunstall. The handle is moulded into one corner of the cube and the spout is created by a slight concave in the opposite corner. A maker's mark has been stamped into the earthenware on the base of the teapot.
Brief History
The Cube Teapot was designed by Robert Crawford Johnson and patented in 1917. The patent covered the construction of teapots and similar vessels so that the spout and handle were contained within the main body of the vessel. This was to minimise the likelihood of these parts of the teapot becoming damaged or broken. In standard teapot design these parts protrude from the main body making them more susceptible to being knocked. Johnson also gave preference to a squared or cubic shape as this allowed for easier storage of multiple vessels. This would be particularly useful in hospitality settings where many teapots would be in use and subsequently these teapots were used extensively by major shipping companies.
Johnson registered the Cube Teapot company in 1917 and began production in 1920. From 1925 the company became Cube Teapots Limited and licensed the design to other manufacturers. The Cube Teapot remained popular from 1920 to about 1950 when more modern designs began to become more prevalent.
Johnson registered the Cube Teapot company in 1917 and began production in 1920. From 1925 the company became Cube Teapots Limited and licensed the design to other manufacturers. The Cube Teapot remained popular from 1920 to about 1950 when more modern designs began to become more prevalent.
Marks
The / Cube/ Brit.Pat.110951/ George Clewsz.T. / Tunstall England/ USA Patent/ 138006/ 3.5.21/Made in England Maker's Mark
Media/Materials
Credit Line
George Clews & Co Ltd. Teapot [The Cube], 2011.80. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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