Pewter Coffee Pot c. 1937

This watercolor of a Pewter Coffee Pot was made by Harry Mann Waddell in the late 19th or early 20th century. It depicts a utilitarian object elevated through careful artistic rendering. Notice the subtle gradations of tone, capturing the metal's sheen and suggesting its three-dimensional form. Pewter, an alloy of tin, copper, and sometimes lead, was a common material for domestic objects during this period due to its malleability and affordability. It could be cast or shaped with relative ease, allowing for mass production, yet still retained a sense of craft. The coffee pot’s design reflects both functional and aesthetic considerations; its clean lines and simple form speak to a growing emphasis on industrial design. The wooden handle, with its carefully turned beads, provided insulation from heat and added a touch of refinement. Waddell's choice of watercolor, a medium often associated with sketching and preparatory studies, highlights the everyday nature of the object. Ultimately, this work encourages us to consider the relationship between design, labor, and domestic life in the era of early industrialization.