Tea for Two: British and American Tea Traditions

Using furnishings and portraits from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, this unique display gives visitors a glimpse into our connection to British tea drinking traditions. English Staffordshire porcelain as well as American-made silver was shipped into the Port of Savannah, providing the elite of this city with purchasing options far surpassing those of any inland towns of the 19th century. Featuring practical items such as tables, tongs, and tea caddies, as well as elaborate decorative pieces, including entire silver tea services, the show highlights everyday objects once used here in Savannah for the daily practice of tea drinking. Beautiful, simple, and ornate tea tables are set, complete with linen, and populated by the people who inhabit the portraits hung within the gallery.

Be sure to visit the period rooms of the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters to see more tea-related items on view.