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Behind the Lens: The Boston Tea Pot

Photos and musings from our photographer David Kidd.

Boston Tea Pot
(David Kidd)
Everyone knows about Boston’s famous Tea Party. But most people are probably unaware of the city’s not-as-famous teapot.

The 300-pound copper kettle was made in 1873 to advertise the Oriental Tea Company. As buildings were demolished and new ones took their place, the teapot hung in several locations before becoming a Government Center landmark next to City Hall.

The giant pot was damaged by a construction vehicle in 2016 and subsequently repaired and re-covered in gold leaf.

The kettle can hold 227 gallons, two quarts, one pint and three gills as certified by Boston’s Sealer of Weights and Measures in 1875. The golden teapot now puffs steam from its perch above a Starbucks, where you can treat yourself to a proper (paper) cup of tea.

David Kidd is a photojournalist and storyteller for Governing. He can be reached at dkidd@governing.com.
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