Silver Teapot 1935 - 1942

David Willoughby made this drawing of a Silver Teapot, we don’t know exactly when, using graphite, watercolor, and possibly gouache. The color is so muted, a kind of silvery grey, except for the handle, which is rendered in warmer tones. It gives the teapot a kind of quiet glow. Looking at the way Willoughby has worked, I'm drawn to the surface quality. It’s delicate, almost tentative. The texture is smooth, and the paint seems to have been applied in thin layers, creating a sense of depth and luminosity. I notice the fine lines and cross-hatching, especially around the base and the handle, which give the teapot a subtle sense of volume. I keep thinking about Chardin. Ultimately, Willoughby's teapot isn’t just an object; it’s an invitation to slow down, to consider the simple things, and maybe even to appreciate the quiet beauty of a well-made cup of tea. And isn’t that what art is all about?