Caddy Spoon
1887-1888 (hallmarked)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The word 'caddy' is derived from a Malay word for a measure of weight (kati) equivalent to about half a kilogram. Until the early years of the reign of George III (1760-1820), the detachable cup-shaped lid of the earlier type of tea caddy was used to measure the tea into the teapot. The earliest caddy spoon, specifically designed for this task, appeared in the 1760s; over the next 100 years large numbers were produced, particularly in Birmingham.
Design & Designing
Every form of shell and leaf shape was employed in the design of the caddy spoon.Spoons were produced in contemporary flatware patterns or in quite individual styles with an incredible variety of decoration: they could be embossed, chased, engraved, bright cut (faceted to create a sparkling effect), fluted or left plain. The caddy spoon was usually 2-3 inches in length since the spoon had to fit inside the caddy.
Food & Drink
Formal afternoon tea, which would be taken around 4 o'clock, became established during the second half of the 19th century. It was a polite occasion consisting of tea and coffee served with delicate snacks such as small sandwiches, cakes and cheesecakes and thinly cut bread and butter. The taking of afternoon tea at home, like the establishment of lunch as a formal meal, was another invention of the Victorian middle class.
The word 'caddy' is derived from a Malay word for a measure of weight (kati) equivalent to about half a kilogram. Until the early years of the reign of George III (1760-1820), the detachable cup-shaped lid of the earlier type of tea caddy was used to measure the tea into the teapot. The earliest caddy spoon, specifically designed for this task, appeared in the 1760s; over the next 100 years large numbers were produced, particularly in Birmingham.
Design & Designing
Every form of shell and leaf shape was employed in the design of the caddy spoon.Spoons were produced in contemporary flatware patterns or in quite individual styles with an incredible variety of decoration: they could be embossed, chased, engraved, bright cut (faceted to create a sparkling effect), fluted or left plain. The caddy spoon was usually 2-3 inches in length since the spoon had to fit inside the caddy.
Food & Drink
Formal afternoon tea, which would be taken around 4 o'clock, became established during the second half of the 19th century. It was a polite occasion consisting of tea and coffee served with delicate snacks such as small sandwiches, cakes and cheesecakes and thinly cut bread and butter. The taking of afternoon tea at home, like the establishment of lunch as a formal meal, was another invention of the Victorian middle class.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver |
| Brief description | Silver, Birmingham hallmarks for 1887-88, mark of William R. Deykin and Son. |
| Physical description | Double scoop shaped. Silver, twin bowl caddy spoon, stamped into mould |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Caddy spoons were used to take measured amounts of tea leaves from the container or tea caddy. The caddy spoon was often kept in the tea container.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Hurst Collection |
| Object history | Probably manufactured by Deykin & Son, Birmingham Neg._No: 14179 |
| Summary | Object Type The word 'caddy' is derived from a Malay word for a measure of weight (kati) equivalent to about half a kilogram. Until the early years of the reign of George III (1760-1820), the detachable cup-shaped lid of the earlier type of tea caddy was used to measure the tea into the teapot. The earliest caddy spoon, specifically designed for this task, appeared in the 1760s; over the next 100 years large numbers were produced, particularly in Birmingham. Design & Designing Every form of shell and leaf shape was employed in the design of the caddy spoon.Spoons were produced in contemporary flatware patterns or in quite individual styles with an incredible variety of decoration: they could be embossed, chased, engraved, bright cut (faceted to create a sparkling effect), fluted or left plain. The caddy spoon was usually 2-3 inches in length since the spoon had to fit inside the caddy. Food & Drink Formal afternoon tea, which would be taken around 4 o'clock, became established during the second half of the 19th century. It was a polite occasion consisting of tea and coffee served with delicate snacks such as small sandwiches, cakes and cheesecakes and thinly cut bread and butter. The taking of afternoon tea at home, like the establishment of lunch as a formal meal, was another invention of the Victorian middle class. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.296-1940 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
