Teapot, `Embassy', silver with a synthetic handle, Sheffield hallmarks for 1963, mark of David Mellor

Teapot, silver with a synthetic handle, the raised body of teardrop shape resting on a plain circular base. The circular lid, detachable, follows the line of the body, the handle a straight bar recessed into the top of the lid within a hemispherical depression; the `D' shaped handle of synthetic fibre slots into two sockets attached to the side of the body, the spout in the shape of an elongated, everted curve, is placed at the base of the body opposite the handle.

Part of the "Embassy" series which won the Design Centre Award 1965, as the result of a limited competition, David Mellor was approached by the Ministry of Works in 1963 to design a silver table service for use in British Embassies abroad. The idea was Lord John Hope's who as Minister of Works in the Macmillan Government determined that in future British embassies should be built and furnished in an obviously modern style. Mellor designed the entire silver collection which included this coffee service, a set of cutlery with stainless steel blades, a tea kettle, condiment sets, engraved silver salvers and a range of candlesticks. Unfortunately, the only embassies which were actually furnished with the embassy silver were Warsaw and Mexico City. A change of minister brought about the cancellation of the project through a cost cutting exercise.

Historical significance: Winner of Design Centre Award in 1965.

This teapot is part of the 'Embassy' series, which won the Design Centre Award 1965. After a limited competition, in 1963 the Ministry of Works asked David Mellor to design a silver table service for use in British Embassies abroad. The idea was Lord John Hope's, who was Minister of Works in the Conservative Government under Harold Macmillan. He determined that in future British embassies should be built and furnished in an obviously modern style.

Mellor designed the entire silver collection, which included this coffee service, a set of cutlery with stainless steel blades, a tea kettle, condiment sets, engraved silver salvers and a range of candlesticks. Unfortunately, only two embassies were actually furnished with the embassy silver, those in Warsaw and Mexico City. The new minister cancelled the project, the result of a cost-cutting exercise.

CIRC.674&A-1965