If there really is anything better then a 'nice cuppa tea' it would have to be the teapot from which it is poured and you have quite a variety to choose from here. It's true to say that the words 'unique' and 'original' are often over used when talking about ceramic ware but when it comes to this exhibition, they barely scratch the surface.
To start with if you're feeling just a bit at sea you could try one of Vipoo Srivilasa's fantasy sea creatures in fascinating colours and shapes. Wide mouth or narrow spout the tea will certainly absorb a refreshing flavour from these funky one cup pots. However if you are a single cup sophisticate you'll prefer the elegant black and white limogue porcelain pots by Caroline Payne, although the tea will have to be served with little cakes by petite fingers.
I doubt Vince Austin's rendition of Homer Simpson, all yellow and assuming the proper "I'm a little tea pot" position, would bring class to any table but it certainly will delight the fan. And when it comes to billy tea, well you may as well make it in the Water Tank so nicely presented by David Palmer. The creamy coloured 'tank' is nicely 'rusted' to give it a sense of history.
On a more serious and experimental note we can't go past Cathy Day's Agateware which involves kneading blue colour into clay, layering it with white clay, then allowing the process of throwing and cutting into the form make their own contributions. Beautiful. And there is Valerie Patton's Porcelain Teapots, one in gold the other green. Inspired by grape leaf decorated antique English silverware, these little beauties are perfectly formed and wear the curious effects of the crystalline glaze. Lovely little sculptures.
Sculptural is the word for Joanne Ball's excellent teapot/birdbaths. These wonderful works would certainly be found in Alice's garden just in case the Hatter and the Hare drop in for a delightful tea party. Excellent!
Go out and buy yourself a box of tea then head to the gallery and purchase a teapot, be it shaped like a witch or a whatnot. You'll be greatly refreshed for doing so.