A Michael Allen Bolton silver teapot

This is an exceptional piece by Michael Allen Bolton.  It is a wonderful heavy teapot made in his classic style, with applied gold and silver “granules” and engraved decoration.  The teapot has a very clever bamboo handle that Bolton undoubtedly made himself,  where he has split the ends of the bamboo and bent them to create hooks, each retained with a silver collar.  The lid, made of boxwood, is set with a red garnet.

The teapot has a certain Japanese style to it, and with the upper handle might otherwise be considered a kettle.  As you would expect from Bolton he has very carefully thought through the ergonomics and it is an excellent and easy pourer – surprisingly so infact given the handle position and teapot’s weight.  An image of the original receipt from Bolton is included in the images which is a fascinating read.  Margaret Bolton (Michael’s surviving wife) has confirmed that he only ever made two teapots, and that this is a unique design.   I absolutely love it.

This teapot is reproduced on a full page (p111) of Designer British Silver by John Andrews and Derek Styles.

Michael Allen Bolton was an informally trained professional silversmith who was inspired by ancient and medieval silver and the arts and crafts movement.  It is said he used a sledge hammer and anvil to achieve his distinctive hand hammered patina. He spoke of his silver work as an extension of himself and without doubt he put his heart and soul into each piece.

As I have written previously, I have adopted Bolton as a legitimate, if later, member of the arts and crafts movement and just love his work. This teapot speaks volume for his skill and style.

Price: £6,250

Maker: Michael Bolton

Designer: Michael Bolton

Date: 1998

Marks: MAB, London, y

Material: Sterling silver, bamboo, garnet, gold

Condition: Excellent

Size: 19 cm tall, 18 cm diameter (max)

Weight: 747 grams, 26.3 0z