Potted history of a love for tea
Everything stops for tea - even time itself, apparently.
The Robert Adam-designed state rooms of Syon House, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, have become the venue for a celebration of Georgian and Regency Britain's passion for the cup that cheers without intoxicating.
In a scene to stir a tea-lover's heart the exhibition, which opens today, features a table set for two as it would have been in the late 18th Century, with costumed mannequins on hand to "take tea".
Silver, china, documents and tea-drinking memorabilia from the Northumberland family archives are in the exhibition, as are a group of seven historic tea pots from the Norwich Castle Museum collection.
There is also material from the archives of Twinings, the 290-year-old tea blending company.
The exhibition is being held in association with Twinings.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies