Tea and Coffee Service thumbnail 1
Tea and Coffee Service thumbnail 2
+4
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Tea and Coffee Service


In the early nineteenth century, tea services were usually limited to three pieces: teapot, cream jug, and sugar basin; however occasionally a coffeepot and tray were acquired in the same style. This service is remarkable as it contains nine pieces; the muffin dishes and the tea caddy are unusual additions. The only other large service known from this period was also by Paul Storr and was made for Earl Howe, it numbered thirteen original pieces and three later additions.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
On long-term loan to Los Angeles County Museum from 2010.


Object details

Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Tea Caddy
  • Key
Brief description
Tea caddy in the shape of a basket. Tea and Coffee Service, silver, Paul Storr, 1809-11
Physical description
The double-compartmented caddy is of rounded oblong form and has a foot and body similar to those of the teapot, cream jug, and sugar basin (1996.722, 1996.725, 1996.726). The plain, flat cover is hinged across the middle and has a bud finial at the centre of each half. The fixed handle is chased with foliage and imbricated disks and has an applied laurel wreath at the centre.
Dimensions
  • With handle standing upright height: 22.5cm
  • Width: 20cm
Measured 03/01/24 IW
Credit line
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Object history
Provenance: Miss S.L.Somerville, sale, Sotheby's, October 19, 1961, lot 103. Lillian and Morrie A. Moss, Memphis, Tennessee. Purchased from David Orgell, Inc., Beverly Hills, 1976.
Summary
In the early nineteenth century, tea services were usually limited to three pieces: teapot, cream jug, and sugar basin; however occasionally a coffeepot and tray were acquired in the same style. This service is remarkable as it contains nine pieces; the muffin dishes and the tea caddy are unusual additions. The only other large service known from this period was also by Paul Storr and was made for Earl Howe, it numbered thirteen original pieces and three later additions.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
On long-term loan to Los Angeles County Museum from 2010.
Associated objects
Bibliographic reference
Clark, Mark A., Paul Storr Silver in American Collections, Indianapolis ; Dayton, 1972 30
Other numbers
  • L.2010.9.29.6a-b - LACMA Loan Number 2010
  • SG 91
Collection
Accession number
LOAN:GILBERT.816:1-2008

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

Record createdJune 26, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest