PAUL STORR Teapot. London, 1809

PAUL STORR (London, 1771–1844).
George III-era teapot, London, 1809.
Sterling silver and ebony.
Hallmarked.
Measurements: 15 x 26 x 16 cm.

Teapot with a globular body and stepped base. The smooth surface features ornamentation concentrated in the galon borders that run along the neck and the rim of the lid, as well as in the floral motifs applied at the base of the spout and in the rosettes that frame the handle. The handle and knob are made of ebony, an insulating material whose black hue creates an elegant hallmark against the sheen of the silver.

The full-bodied form, the curved profile of the spout, and the understated decoration reflect the neoclassical taste of the late Georgian period, already approaching the Regency aesthetic. In contrast to the more exuberant character of the silversmith’s later works, this teapot stands out for the clarity of its silhouette and its restrained ornamentation, which is subordinate to functionality and the purity of the design.

Dated 1809, it was made shortly after Storr took over, in 1807, the management of the Rundell, Bridge & Rundell workshop, one of London’s most prestigious firms. The combination of precise craftsmanship, a solid three-dimensional presence, and subtle classical references is characteristic of this phase of his work.

Considered one of the leading English silversmiths of his time, Paul Storr opened his own workshop in 1796 and worked for an aristocratic and international clientele. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds important examples of his work, including a soup tureen from 1806–1808, a jug from 1807–1808, and a tea service from 1813–1814.