Coffeepot 1757 - 1758

This coffeepot was made in 18th century England by John Langlands, a Newcastle silversmith. Although seemingly mundane, the coffeepot speaks volumes about the burgeoning global trade networks of the period. Coffee's journey from bean to beverage involved complex colonial structures, and this coffeepot serves as a reminder of the social and economic disparities that fueled its popularity in England. Coffee houses served as spaces for intellectual and political exchange but excluded the enslaved people who made it all possible. Objects such as this allow us to reflect on the social conditions of artistic production and consumption. By exploring archival sources, we can trace the intricate connections between the artistry of silversmiths like Langlands, British colonialism, and the everyday lives of people who enjoyed a cup of coffee.