L.A. collectors Sonny and Gloria Kamm are looking for a good musuem home for their massive collection of teapots. The new owner would not only get a collection of work valued between $17 to $18 million, but the Kamms will also provide an additional $2 million to cover the costs of taking on the collection.
Above image: “The Artful Teapot” installation at the Peabody Essex Museum; Salem, MA.
Christopher Dresser (British, 1834-1904), Teapot, 1880, silver plated brass and wood, 6.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches. Limited reproduction of the original by James Dixon & Sons, England. Photograph by Kevin O’Dwyer.
There have been a series of “dates”, even a few tentative “engagements” but as of yet no wedding bells for the collection. This is understandable given that the scale (more than 17,000 teapots and coffee pots and related works, paintings, prints, photography, advertising and ephemera) is daunting. But it is a sensational assembly; drawing from its collective works one can create multiple exhibitions of teapots by major artists, architects and famous designers, as well as by country of origin, time period and material. While the size of the collection may intimidate some, it is the quality and comprehensiveness that makes it absolutely unique.
Kazimir Malevich (Russian, 1878-1935) for State Porcelain Factory, Russia; Suprematist Teapot, ca. 1923, manufactured ca. 1930, porcelain, 6.25 x 9.25 x 4 inches. Photograph by Kevin O’ Dwyer.
One can put together a definitive survey of novelty teapots during the 1930’s depression, or of children’s tea services or any one of a score of other thematic or historical surveys. Included are rare gems such as the very first British silver teapots from the 18th century and their finest 21st century peers. The Kamm’s also have commissioned many known artists to make their first and often only teapot.
While ceramic may be the dominant medium, every material known to man is included—glass, metal, fiber, wood, paper, and even fish skin and fruit peels.
Michael Sherrill (American, b. 1956), Halcyon Tea, 1996, ceramic and gold leaf, 15 x 19 x 5 inches. Photograph by Tony Cunha.
Marianne Brandt (German, 1893 – 1983) , Tea Infuser, Model no. MT 49 c., 1927, silver-plated brass and ebony, 3 x 6 x 4 inches. Photograph by David H. Ramsey. Click to see a larger image.
The teapot is also a proven crowd pleaser. An exhibition made entirely from the Kamm’s collection The Artful Teapot traveled to nine museums between 2002 and 2006. The exhibit broke attendance records at six of the nine venues. The press and the public loved it!
The collection has been conservatively valued at $17 – 18 million dollars and the Kamms will provide $2 million for the costs of taking on the collection, making this a $20 million dollar offer that in the right institution (one with guts and ambition) will be a major and timeless attraction, a collection without peer.
This could also be a unique opportunity not only for a museum, but also for a corporate entity (such as the “XYZ Tea and Coffee Company”) to sponsor the creation of the museum building and to have the sponsor’s name on the museum building.
There is much additional information on the foundation’s website: www.KammTeapotFoundation.org. Gloria and Sonny Kamm can be contacted via e-mail Kammteapotfoundation@gmail.com or via the website.
Garth Clark is the Editor-in-Chief of cfile.daily.
What do you think of this collection of contemporary ceramic art? Let us know in the comments.
Michael Graves (American, 1934 – 2015) for Alessi (Italy, founded 1920), Tea Piazza, 1984; sterling silver, aluminum, Bakelite and mock-Ivory, 10.5 x 4.7 8 inches. Photograph by David H. Ramsey. Click to see a larger image.
Photograph of an exhibition concept designed by Luther Young III for “The Artful Teapot” at the RISD Museum. He states: “I created a semi-transparent tower that housed the collection. Once inside the structure, visitors were moved vertically via an elevated platform to see the details of each artifact. The strong distinction between the exterior and interior space, created an immersive display environment.” Click to see a larger image.
I’m so proud that my t-pot is in the collection. Thank you, Sonny and Gloria.
The Kamms collection is as joyful, deep and interesting as the collectors themselves. It encompasses so much imaginative expression. Keeping the collection together and making it available to the public would an asset for our culture.
I collect teapots myself. I got some good ideas on display. I also collect cups and saucers.
Wow – that is quite an elaborate collection.! I would love to see a museum buy the collection or have it sponsored! As I too would love to see this collection with my own two eyes !
Great article ! Inspiring !
I am still attempting to master the tea pot in ceramics!
what a great collection would love to see them all with my own 2 eyes