National Trust
Tea time in our collections
Tea set
This delightful Meissen Berlin tea service dates back to the 1740s, and is part of the collection at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire. The set is painted with miners in wooded landscape vignettes.
Early teapots
This rare pair of polychrome teapots at Wallington, Northumberland, have an exquisite standard of workmanship. They were made at Het Moriaenshooft factory in Delft, 1686-8, copying a style of teapots imported from Yixing, China.
Novelty teapots
By the 18th century novelty teapots had made an appearance. The collection at Treasurer's House, North Yorkshire includes this cauliflower teapot. It was made around 1760 by the Wedgwood factory.
Polesden Lacey's Tea Room
Dame Margaret ‘Maggie’ Greville (1863-1942) was a famed society hostess. She refurbished Polesden Lacey to her own luxurious tastes and included an elegant Tea Room. Her highly fashionable afternoon teas were attended by the aristocracy, statesmen and royalty.
A summer tea gown
Killerton’s extensive fashion collection includes this delicate white tea gown from the early 1900s. Loosing-fitting and lightweight, it would have been perfect for summer parties.
Tea caddy
In the 18th century, lockable tea caddies made an appearance in the homes of the wealthy. They were often made of expensive wood and elaborately decorated, such as this mahogany example from A La Ronde, Devon.
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Find out what’s happening at the Trust. While our places have been free of the normal hustle and bustle of visitors, our on-site staff have reported rare sightings and uncharacteristic behaviours from their local bird and mammal populations.