The title is taken from the Hogarth painting in the collection of the Tate (www.tate.org.uk). The Hogarth painting has a puny central figure struggling under the weight of a large joint of beef, which serves as an emblem of English health and strength. This teapot was made at a time when the British herds were devastated by ‘mad cow’ disease (BSE). Here the cow is no longer a symbol of British health and well being, and she carries a crown on her back as an allusion to seeming ‘madness’ caused by the disease. The British Isles are isolated on the spout of the teapot, whilst two characters in full protective clothing keep guard.