How a simple teapot became a dangerous symbol of eighteenth-century political rebellion

John Wilkes and the art of subtle tea I Tom Objects! · 3:49 · Video: The British Museum · Watch at the source

In short: Discover how a small gold number 45 on a teapot served as a radical act of protest in the 1700s. This episode examines how satirical dissent manifested in everyday objects.

In this exploration of historical defiance, curator Tom Hockenhull highlights how ordinary items were used to voice political opposition. The teapot, marked with the number 45, represents a specific moment of eighteenth-century dissent, illustrating how subtle symbols could challenge the establishment.

The object is part of a broader collection curated by Ian Hislop that investigates the history of rebellion and protest. By examining these artifacts, we gain insight into how citizens historically expressed their grievances through material culture rather than just words.

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