Memory Teapot
I have been meaning to share my memory teapot with you for quite some time. I made it as an entry for ‘Grayson Perry’s Art Club‘ for the theme ‘Family’. I was inspired by a comment Grayson Perry made about ‘Memory Jugs‘. I didn’t know what they were and out of curiosity googled them. I was drawn to the ugly/beautiful memory jugs that had been traditionally made in memory of people who had died. Their surfaces are adorned with a magpie-like collection of broken china, glass and small objects. For those of us who are prone to collect things, they are irresistible.
My memory teapot is a celebration of my immediate family and not the dead. It is encrusted with the treasures of childhood and things you find at the back of the kitchen drawer. Monopoly pieces sit alongside brownie badges and souvenirs from abroad. Screws, buttons and badges, and that key from your keyring that has been there for years and you don’t know what it’s for.
This teapot is big. I bought a 12 cup teapot especially for this project. I would cover a small section in a thick layer of polyfiler and press the objects into it. Very satisfying! I worked my way around the teapot until it was completely covered. I needed far more bits and bobs than I originally thought. My Mum and sister sent me items to add to it as well as my daughters and husband.
I can imagine doing this in the classroom with students. Perhaps a teacup for each student?
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What a brilliant idea/concept. I’m inspired now to do something beautiful (hopefully) with all the beads,bits and broken pieces I didn’t want to send to landfill. Thank you!! (Adelaide, Australia)
Hi Sue, I’m glad you are inspired, I really enjoyed creating this in lockdown and using all these bits that would have only lurked in the bottom of a drawer somewhere!
Hi from South Carolina, USA,
I love your memory tea pot!
My grandmother had a jug with all kinds of cool objects. I would look at it almost every time I went to her house. She didn’t call it a memory jug, not sure what she called it.
Today I purchased a crock jar to make my memory jar.
Found your jug on Pinterest and read to see what you used as an adhesive. Will look for spackle. Joyce
Hi Joyce, Thanks for your positive feedback! I hope the spackle works well for you. Do send me a photo when it’s done 🙂
Love the teapot. I’ve made a memory jar but did not like the adhesive I used – was rough and bumpy. Im hoping I can find a product like polyfiler here in the states.
Hi Ruth, Thank you for your comment. I’ve just googled what poly filler is in the States, and it says ‘Spackle’ is equivalent. Might be worth looking into? I really enjoyed making this teapot; now it’s a good memory of lockdown.
Awesome. I remember 20 years ago doing a similar clay unit. We called it “ Container to hold inspiring quotes” we then learnt calligraphy and popped all our quotes into our Container.
Suzy, That sounds like an excellent project. I like art with words/text of some sort. It sounds like a wonderful challenge doing it on a clay container that the students have made themselves.
I love this teapot project! Do you have recommended place to buy polyfiller?
Thanks or sharing this beautiful project!
Hi Jodi, I’m in the UK and bought a tub of polyfila from B&Q. I’m not sure what country you are in but any shop that has decorating supplies should stock it. Good luck if you have a go!