Shadows of Empire: Taking Tea at Preston Manor, Exhibition Extras
Beneath the genteel and quintessentially English cup of tea lies a dark history. But just how deeply involved in the colonial cost of a cuppa were the illustrious inhabitants of and glamorous visitors to Preston Manor?
‘Shadows of Empire: Taking Tea at Preston Manor’ explores tea, Empire and the Opium Wars. Rather than a typical tour of a country house, we took a somewhat uncomfortable look at how tea and other luxuries came to Preston Manor and into homes throughout Britain.
It is essential to acknowledge the deep-rooted trauma of colonialism that continues to impact on individuals, families, communities, and countries to this day.
The story of tea is not just one of commerce and culture, but also one of exploitation, oppression, division and the enduring legacy of historical injustices. At Brighton & Hove Museums, we recognise that exploring this history evokes difficult emotions for many people.
The interactive, in-person experience ran for six months at Preston Manor.
You can discover more on this dark history of tea and Preston Manor with the stories below.
Ellen Stanford Sets the Scene
The Stanfords Travel the Globe
All at Sea
Spoils of Empire
The Calm of the Country House
To Your Good Health
The Opium Den
Flow of Goods
A Cup of Tea