Art Funded by you

Double character teapot

Worcester Porcelain Factory, James Hadley, 1882

The Higgins Bedford, Bedford

One side modelled as a portrait bust of an 'aesthetic young man' and the other as his female counterpart. The costumes of the figures are based upon those worn in the first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, Patience from April 1881, which is a satire on the aesthetic movement. It includes a description of a pallid and haggard young man - 'a greenery- yallery, Grosvenor Gallery, Foot-in-the-grave young man'. It bears the Royal Worcester mark.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Double character teapot, 1882

Date supported

1987

Medium and material

Bone china

Dimensions

15.7 x 17.6 cm

Grant

300

Total cost

1800

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Get a National Art Pass and explore The Higgins Bedford

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at The Higgins Bedford

10% off in shop

Enjoy 10% off in the shop with your National Art Pass.
Expires: 1 Jan 2026

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product
Get a national art pass

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.

Get in touch

© Art Fund 2025. “Art Fund” is the operating name of the National Art Collections Fund, a charity registered in England and Wales (209174) and Scotland (SC038331)