Ale warmer
Category
Metalwork
Date
1800 - 1850
Materials
Fruitwood, Metal, Copper
Measurements
465 mm (Height); 710 mm (Circumference)
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Cotehele, Cornwall
NT 347964
Summary
An early 19th century copper ale warmer on short, hoofed legs.The circular pot has a long tapering spout with a tap, and a folding handle with wooden (fruitwood) handpiece. The funnel shaped top also has wooden (fruitwood) handle. See also NT347965 (COT.M.14). This ale warmer was part of the Edgcumbe historic collection which was transferred to the National Trust in 1974.
Full description
Warm ale was a popular drink - either on its own or mulled with spices or sugar. Whilst basic and cheaper ale warmers were made in tin, copper examples such as this enabled the drink to maintain its heat for longer, as well as providing a pleasing aesthetic when well polished. In the West of England this shape is sometimes called a donkey's ear (Geoffrey Wills). This ale warmer was part of the Edgcumbe historic collection which was transferred to the National Trust in 1974. It may be one of the "two curious vessels, which it would be difficult to recognise as the prototypes of a modern tea-urn," in the White Room windowsill, mentioned by the Reverend Arundell in his text for Cotehele's first guidebook 'Cotehele on the Banks of the Tamar,' 1840.
Provenance
Left at the property when Cotehele was accepted in lieu of tax from Kenelm, 6th Early of Mount Edgcumbe (1873-1965) and transferred to the National Trust in 1947; and amongst the contents accepted in lieu of estate duty by HM Treasury and transferred to the National Trust in 1974
Credit line
Cotehele, The Edgcumbe Collection (National Trust)