A Library of Teacups

On Saturday, I attended the opening reception at Devon House of A Library of Teacups by pottery artist, Maaike Charron. There are over 400 different teacups in the collection. Maaike wanted to do something a little different and decided to make a teacup for every book she owned. This included text books, fiction, children's books, non-fiction . . . the list goes on. The cups are arranged on shelves the same way as if they were books. It is a very eye catching exhibit and if you live in the area it is well worth a visit.

Maaike is a self-taught potter from St. John's, NL. Here is what she wrote about this show:

Books and tea are two of my great loves in life, and they go together swimmingly. I have made one cup inspired by every book I own. Each is one of a kind, varying in size, shape, colour and clay body. Some are very simple, and others much more ornate.

Why teacups? Because (much like books) they lend themselves to individuality, to standing as one in a herd of many. There is a cultural expectation of uniformity for household food vessels - everything matches. But mugs and teacups have largely escaped this rule. What kitchen does not have a cupboard or two of chipped, mismatched and utterly loved mugs?

The deeply personal and individual act of cradling a cup of tea is best carried out, it appears, with the assistance of a personal and individual teacup. And the enjoyment of a good book is best enhanced by a cup of tea.

Here are some quilt related sites you might enjoy!
Quilting Gallery Mug Rug Inspiration
Pink Penguin Teapot Pattern 
Connecting Threads Sidecar Coasters
Piece by Number Tea and Coffee Cups