The cup is overflowing for the owners of Kent’s Teapot Island after their collection of more than 8,500 novelty teapots sold to a Bournemouth collector who has pledged to open a specialist museum for them in the Dorset town.
Keith Blayze, who amassed the remarkable collection over 42 years with his wife Sue, said: “The great news is the collection is staying together and that’s what we always wanted.”
Hansons Auctioneers’, Justin Matthews, said: “We are thrilled the collection has sold and even more delighted it will remain together, as it should. Even better news is that it will stay on public display. Unless you have seen it in the flesh it is difficult to describe what a truly remarkable collection it is. We received worldwide interest when we announced the sale, and it is also wonderful it is staying in the UK – the home of the true tea lover!”
Before the sale Sue stated her desire that the collection should go to a museum.
She said: “I don’t like to think of them being separated. It would be great if they went to a museum. We have had so much fun over the years. I have loved sharing my collection with people. Everyone who visits it just says “wow”. But now it’s time to let it go.”
The couple will continue to live on the site, hanging on to 180 of their favourite designs, but with tea making on a much smaller scale.
Sue said: “We’ll display the remaining teapots around the house. But, as for using them, we tend to use teabags.”
The pair had been collecting teapots since 1983 when Sue’s grandmother gave her a blue and brown terracotta teapot.
In 2003, with the collection threatening to take over their Sidcup home, they moved Yalding to open Teapot Island, which included a café and a museum dedicated to the quirky designs.
It soon became a popular tourist attraction, in its heyday welcoming up to 20,000 visitors a year including celebrities and, in 2014, Prince Charles and Camilla.
But last month, with Keith aged 71 and Sue, 75, the couple made the difficult decision to lease the café and their monumental collection.
Keith said: “We will continue to live on the island but, with the café leased and the teapots gone, it’s the end of an era.”
Hansons Auctioneers’ online sale attracted worldwide attention and after it ended the auction house facilitated the sale for an undisclosed sum via a privately tendered bid
Charles Hanson said: “It is an iconic collection and we are delighted by the outcome. From single objects to worldwide collections and collections of great novelty like this one, Hansons are well placed to deliver great results.”
The collection is made up of thousands of designs including those shaped as politicians, the royal family, animals, vegetables, Disney characters, Christmas, celebrities and vehiclesranging from red London buses to speed boats.
According to Keith Blayze, the new owner has announced plans to open a purpose-built museum for them on the south coast.
As well as thousands of novelty teapots, the collection included examples by great makers including Doulton and Minton, as well as Clarice Cliff.
They also have three limited-edition giant teapots in the art deco style by renowned maker Lorna Bailey which can retail for £3,000 each.
Auction Results
Auction: The Teapot Island Collection Auction
Auction date: 13th October 2025
Location: Hansons Kent Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
