Label Type
Curator Pick of the MonthLabel
As the temperatures slowly begin to drop, there’s nothing like putting on the kettle to warm up with your favorite hot beverage. This copper kettle is one of The Drexel Collection’s earliest acquisitions, purchased with funds from A.J. Drexel specifically for the new institute and museum founded in 1891. This kettle may look a bit different than ones found in today’s households, it’s much larger and decorated with floral designs using the metalworking technique repoussé. Repoussé uses hammers to create the design from the reverse side or the interior of a vessel. Copper, while a popular material for cooking due to its ability to conduct heat, can also cause issues if not lined due to toxic substances created when copper comes into contact with acids. For this reason, most copper cookware is lined, like the tin on the interior of this kettle, to prevent any issues.Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
It is unknown what the identity of the faces is on the kettle; however it was very
popular to add faces in conjunction with floral scrollwork on metalwork as well as
furniture in the early 1700’s.